An Adverse Drug Event (ADE) is a harmful or unintended reaction to a medication. These events can occur at normal doses used for diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease. An ADE might arise from a preventable issue, such as incorrect dosage or drug interactions, or it can be non-preventable like an unforeseen allergic reaction.
Causes of Adverse Drug Events includes, but is not limited to:
Adverse Drug Events are significant in healthcare as they affect patient safety and treatment efficacy. Understanding and managing ADEs can reduce hospital readmissions and healthcare costs, and improve overall treatment outcomes. Monitoring ADEs also helps in enhancing pharmacovigilance practices, which are crucial for preventing future incidents and ensuring public health safety.