What Does AE Mean in Medical Terms?

AE stands for adverse event. Unfavourable medical occurrence during treatment.

adverse event

Unfavourable medical occurrence during treatment.

Where you will see AE

You will most often see AE in medical charts and clinical notes, medication orders and prescriptions.

Example

A medication order might be written with “AE” as shorthand for adverse event.

Related abbreviations

Browse the full Medical Abbreviations guide — 5,715 entries, searchable A–Z and by specialty.

Educational reference only. This guide is for learning and quick reference. Abbreviations vary between hospitals, countries and specialties, and some are discouraged because they can be misread. Always write and interpret orders using your own institution’s approved abbreviation list, and check anything unclear with the prescriber or your local policy.