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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.