The abbreviation describes adverse drug events or drug experiences. It encompasses any undesirable occurrence associated with the use of a medication, whether or not the medication caused the event. An example includes a patient developing a rash after starting a new antibiotic or experiencing nausea following chemotherapy.
Recognizing and reporting such incidents are crucial for patient safety and public health. This process allows for the identification of previously unknown risks associated with medications, leading to adjustments in prescribing practices, labeling changes, or even drug recalls. Historically, the systematic collection and analysis of these occurrences have dramatically improved medication safety standards.
