When Medications Cause Harm: Understanding Adverse Drug Events (ADEs)
Most people take prescription medications without a second thought. We trust that the medications will do their job and that our healthcare providers have prescribed the right ones to address our needs. However, for those taking multiple medications, the risk of unexpected complications can rise if the proper precautions aren’t taken.
Understanding ADEs Adverse drug events (ADEs) occur when a person is harmed by a medication or a combination of medications. According to NICE, about 6–7% of hospital admissions in the UK are due to ADEs, and could cost the NHS in England £2.21bn annually
What Are the Types of ADEs?
ADE is a broad term that covers any unexpected, potentially harmful event related to medication use, whether appropriate or inappropriate. Several subcategories exist, some of which involve human error:
- Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR)/Non-preventable ADE/Side Effect: These occur when a drug is taken correctly but still causes an unintended reaction. For instance, chemotherapy can lead to nausea, fatigue, or hair loss. ADRs are further classified into:
- Type A ADRs: Predictable based on how the drug typically works in the body.
- Type B ADRs: Unpredictable and unrelated to the drug’s known effects.
Other ADE subcategories may involve human error:
- Drug Toxicity: Occurs when the drug concentration in the bloodstream exceeds safe levels, often due to an incorrect dosage.
- Ameliorable ADE: Harm that could have been minimised with timely, appropriate management.
- Potential ADE: A medication error caught before it reaches the patient or that luckily caused no harm.
- Preventable ADE: An error that results in harm, such as administering an incorrect dose.
How to Reduce the Risk of ADEs
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to protect yourself or a loved one from ADEs. Here are six practical tips:
- Advocate for Yourself: Take an active role in your healthcare. Healthcare can be fragmented, it’s crucial to ask questions and make sure every healthcare provider is on the same page.
- Communicate Openly: Report any new or unusual symptoms to your doctor. Don’t hesitate to speak up. A new symptom could be related to your medication.
- Seek Support: For older adults or those with cognitive challenges, having a caregiver or advocate involved can help manage medications and ensure concerns are addressed.
- Keep a Comprehensive Medication List: Maintain an up-to-date record of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you take, and share it with your doctor. Also, disclose lifestyle habits such as caffeine, tobacco, or marijuana use, as these can affect how medications work.
- Explore Pharmacogenomics: Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing can reveal how your genetic makeup impacts medication effectiveness and risk for side effects. “Genetics can influence how we metabolise medications. Personalised medicine can help identify safer, more effective options tailored to each patient.
- Follow Instructions Carefully: Stick to your prescribed regimen, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure about anything. Pharmacists are also valuable resources who can help you understand potential side effects and interactions.
Reducing the risk of ADEs is a shared responsibility between patients and healthcare providers. Being informed and proactive about your medications can help safeguard your health and improve treatment outcomes. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, stay organised, and advocate for the safest, most effective care possible.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, call us on 020 8387 1266 or email us at info@myogenes.com for more information.
