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Health care Prescription drugs

Over 100,000 drugs are approved in Germany – with new products being added to the list on a regular basis. This overview provides information such as how to administer medication correctly, why some drugs are only available in pharmacies and how medication gets approved. 

Prescription drugs

A collection of various types of medication. A collection of various types of medication.

Medication – an overview

This article discusses the definition of medication, how and when various types of medication can be used and who is responsible for their approval and control.

Part of a package insert with several tablets lying on it. The sentence “What side effects are possible?” is enlarged by a magnifying glass. Part of a package insert with several tablets lying on it. The sentence “What side effects are possible?” is enlarged by a magnifying glass.

Side effects of medicinal products

Side effects are harmful and unintended reactions to a medicinal product. Serious side effects are rare with authorized medication.

A collection of various types of medication – a blister pack of pills, sprays, drops, suppositories, patches, creams. A collection of various types of medication – a blister pack of pills, sprays, drops, suppositories, patches, creams.

Medicinal products: dosage forms and routes of administration

Medicinal products are available as tablets, drops, ointments or shots. What should be considered in relation to the various dosage forms and routes of administration?

A woman buying medication in a pharmacy. A woman buying medication in a pharmacy.

Medication – prescription and over-the‑counter drugs

Most medications are only available from a pharmacy. Many also require a prescription. Read on to find out why this is the case and who decides which drugs require a prescription and which don’t.

Two pharmacists stocking shelves with medication. Two pharmacists stocking shelves with medication.

Pharmacies – providing medication and personal advice

This article explains how pharmacies work, the services they offer, and what future developments are expected.

A white mouse sitting on a person’s hand. The person is wearing blue gloves. A white mouse sitting on a person’s hand. The person is wearing blue gloves.

Animal testing

While animal testing has the potential to make an important contribution to medical research, it should be replaced by other methods where possible to minimize animal suffering.

A glittering DNA helix against a dark background. A glittering DNA helix against a dark background.

Personalized medicine improves chances of recovery

In personalized medicine, individual biomarkers are taken into account when choosing medication for a patient. This enables the use of more effective, targeted treatments with fewer side effects.

A die with an equal sign and an unequal sign is placed between two dice with symbols for female and male. A die with an equal sign and an unequal sign is placed between two dice with symbols for female and male.

Medication: how gender can influence efficacy

Medication can affect women differently to men. If this is the case, the dosage has to be adjusted.

A young woman receives glasses from an optician A young woman receives glasses from an optician

Medical devices: from glasses to pacemakers

Medical devices are used for various medical purposes. They not only include glasses and COVID tests but also x-ray machines and pacemakers.

A woman putting a first-aid box with medication into a refrigerator A woman putting a first-aid box with medication into a refrigerator

Managing medication – storing, taking and disposing of medication correctly

Medication can only take full effect when it is stored and taken correctly. What are important points to consider?

A woman reads the package insert for a medicinal product. A woman reads the package insert for a medicinal product.

The package insert (package leaflet)

The package insert contains important information about a drug, for example the therapeutic indication (area of use), the correct usage and the possible side effects.

Various types of medication in a box. Various types of medication in a box.

Home medicine cabinets: medication, medical dressings and more

Every home should have a medicine cabinet containing common medication and medical dressings for minor injuries. Depending on the members of the household, different contents are useful.

A man hands a prescription to a pharmacist. A man hands a prescription to a pharmacist.

Medication costs – insurance cover and co-payments

When a doctor prescribes medication for a patient, most of the cost is covered by the health insurance funds. Read on to find out what costs are covered and what has to be paid by patients themselves.

A person in a white coat fills out a document. Another person sits by their side pointing to a tablet. A person in a white coat fills out a document. Another person sits by their side pointing to a tablet.

Authorization of medicinal products: possibilities and criteria

Strict criteria apply to the authorization of medicinal products. Extensive studies are required to prove the medicinal product’s efficacy, safety and quality.