What is an adverse drug event (ADE)?

An adverse drug event (ADE) is defined as an injury that results from the use of a medication. This can include any negative effects that a patient experiences as a result of taking a drug, whether they stem from an overdose, allergic reaction, or an unexpected side effect. ADEs can occur even when medications are used as intended, which is crucial because it emphasizes that these events may not always be preventable. Understanding the complexity of ADEs underscores the importance of monitoring patient outcomes and being vigilant about potential reactions to medications.

The other options, while related to medication safety, do not capture the full scope of what an ADE entails. Common side effects, although they can be considered adverse effects, are expected reactions that occur in most patients and do not classify as adverse drug events. Interactions between medications can lead to adverse drug events but are not themselves defined as such; they are a specific subset of potential causes. Errors made during the prescription process are related to medication safety issues but do not directly define an ADE, as they focus more on the actions taken during the prescribing rather than the resultant harm experienced by the patient.