The Official Medtipster Blog

www.Medtipster.com Source: Navitus Blogs – Clinical, February 18, 2014

Adverse drug events (ADEs) can happen to anyone taking medication. An ADE is defined as any injury or harm caused by a drug in any circumstance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 82% of adults in the U.S. currently take at least one medication on a consistent basis, and 29% take more than five medications. No one is immune to ADEs; they can occur when using over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications (Rx). The bottom line is that it’s important to be able to prevent, recognize, and report ADEs.

When ADEs Occur
ADEs take place in many different situations. For example, individuals taking OTC medications may not realize the impact these drugs can have on their bodies when combined with their current prescription drug regimens. Just like prescription medications, OTC medications can cause side effects and can interact with other medications—which could eventually lead to ADEs. The best way for members to recognize the potential harm these medications can cause is to inform their prescribers and pharmacists of all the OTC medications taken on a regular basis.

Sometimes, taking one medication alone can cause an ADE due merely to the medication’s side effects. Other times, additional causes such as incorrect medication, missed dose, wrong technique, duplicate therapy or duplicate ingredients, and drug-drug interaction can precipitate an ADE. According to the CDC, 700,000 emergency department visits and 120,000 hospitalizations occur annually due to ADEs, which account for $3.5 billion in medical costs.

For more information regarding ADEs, Please visit the CDC website, www.cdc.gov.