In the Netherlands over 22,000 medicines are authorised for use.
Most are for human use, and about 2,500 are veterinary medicines.
Each year, hundreds of new medicines are authorised.
For many of these medicines you need a doctor's prescription...
while others you can buy over the counter at a pharmacy, chemist,
supermarket or pet store.
Who assesses whether all these medicines are safe and effective?
This is the task of the MEB, the Medicines Evaluation Board...
an independent government organisation, established in 1963.
Around 350 people work at the MEB...
including many pharmacists, scientists, doctors and veterinarians.
The MEB works together with the European Medicines Agency, the EMA...
as part of a wide European network.
Before a medicine can be authorised for use...
the manufacturer must provide the MEB with scientific data about its effects, safety and quality.
This data is then studied exhaustively.
For every medicine, the balance between benefits and risks needs to be evaluated.
Does the medicine do what it is designed to do? And are its side effects within acceptable levels?
A medicine is only authorised if there is a positive balance.
Medicines can cause side effects, which are listed in the package leaflet.
Side effects are monitored for each medicine. If necessary, the package leaflet is altered.
For example, by adding new information about possible risks...
or a warning will be sent to doctors, pharmacists or veterinarians.
In extreme cases, a medicine may be removed from the market.
The MEB works closely with patients, doctors, pharmacists and scientists...
to stay in close contact with society.
This provides insight and oversight of medicines and how they are used in practice.
The MEB thereby contributes to the health of people who use medicines in the Netherlands.
Veterinary medicines, from flea collars in a pet store...
to medical treatments that are prescribed by veterinarians...
the MEB's Veterinary Medicinal Products Unit assesses these on efficacy, quality and safety.
Side effects are also monitored.
This improves the welfare of animals and helps to ensure the safety of the food we eat.
The Veterinary Medicine Board presents its advice on veterinary medicines...
to the Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality.
The minister then makes the final decision on whether a veterinary medicine is authorised.
From pain relievers available in drugstores, to treatments prescribed by medical specialists...
from well-known medicines like paracetamol to completely new medicines...
anyone who uses medicines should be able to trust them.
The MEB is dedicated to fulfilling this mission every single day...
in the Netherlands and in Europe.
Good medicines used better.