Adverse event

Also known as: AE

Any untoward medical occurrence in a patient receiving a drug, regardless of causality.

Definition

An adverse event is any unfavourable medical occurrence in a patient receiving a drug, whether or not it is causally related to the drug. AEs are graded by severity (mild/moderate/severe) and seriousness (life-threatening, hospitalisation, disability, congenital anomaly, death). Serious AEs trigger expedited reporting to the FDA via FAERS.

See also

Other safety terms