1 00:00:00,640 --> 00:00:05,280 In the Netherlands over 22,000 medicines are authorised for use. 2 00:00:05,400 --> 00:00:09,920 Most are for human use, and about 2,500 are veterinary medicines. 3 00:00:10,040 --> 00:00:12,880 Each year, hundreds of new medicines are authorised. 4 00:00:13,000 --> 00:00:16,200 For many of these medicines you need a doctor's prescription... 5 00:00:16,320 --> 00:00:19,720 while others you can buy over the counter at a pharmacy, chemist, 6 00:00:19,840 --> 00:00:21,960 supermarket or pet store. 7 00:00:22,080 --> 00:00:26,640 Who assesses whether all these medicines are safe and effective? 8 00:00:26,760 --> 00:00:31,400 This is the task of the MEB, the Medicines Evaluation Board... 9 00:00:33,120 --> 00:00:38,000 an independent government organisation, established in 1963. 10 00:00:38,120 --> 00:00:41,120 Around 350 people work at the MEB... 11 00:00:41,240 --> 00:00:46,200 including many pharmacists, scientists, doctors and veterinarians. 12 00:00:46,320 --> 00:00:50,640 The MEB works together with the European Medicines Agency, the EMA... 13 00:00:50,760 --> 00:00:53,600 as part of a wide European network. 14 00:00:53,720 --> 00:00:56,320 Before a medicine can be authorised for use... 15 00:00:56,440 --> 00:01:02,880 the manufacturer must provide the MEB with scientific data about its effects, safety and quality. 16 00:01:03,000 --> 00:01:06,120 This data is then studied exhaustively. 17 00:01:06,240 --> 00:01:11,640 For every medicine, the balance between benefits and risks needs to be evaluated. 18 00:01:13,080 --> 00:01:18,800 Does the medicine do what it is designed to do? And are its side effects within acceptable levels? 19 00:01:18,920 --> 00:01:23,080 A medicine is only authorised if there is a positive balance. 20 00:01:24,240 --> 00:01:29,440 Medicines can cause side effects, which are listed in the package leaflet. 21 00:01:29,560 --> 00:01:35,960 Side effects are monitored for each medicine. If necessary, the package leaflet is altered. 22 00:01:36,080 --> 00:01:39,520 For example, by adding new information about possible risks... 23 00:01:39,640 --> 00:01:43,840 or a warning will be sent to doctors, pharmacists or veterinarians. 24 00:01:43,960 --> 00:01:48,000 In extreme cases, a medicine may be removed from the market. 25 00:01:48,800 --> 00:01:54,840 The MEB works closely with patients, doctors, pharmacists and scientists... 26 00:01:55,720 --> 00:01:58,320 to stay in close contact with society. 27 00:01:58,440 --> 00:02:03,560 This provides insight and oversight of medicines and how they are used in practice. 28 00:02:03,680 --> 00:02:09,200 The MEB thereby contributes to the health of people who use medicines in the Netherlands. 29 00:02:11,600 --> 00:02:14,800 Veterinary medicines, from flea collars in a pet store... 30 00:02:14,920 --> 00:02:18,640 to medical treatments that are prescribed by veterinarians... 31 00:02:18,760 --> 00:02:25,720 the MEB's Veterinary Medicinal Products Unit assesses these on efficacy, quality and safety. 32 00:02:25,840 --> 00:02:28,280 Side effects are also monitored. 33 00:02:28,400 --> 00:02:33,520 This improves the welfare of animals and helps to ensure the safety of the food we eat. 34 00:02:33,640 --> 00:02:37,240 The Veterinary Medicine Board presents its advice on veterinary medicines... 35 00:02:37,360 --> 00:02:40,760 to the Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. 36 00:02:40,880 --> 00:02:45,600 The minister then makes the final decision on whether a veterinary medicine is authorised. 37 00:02:45,720 --> 00:02:50,720 From pain relievers available in drugstores, to treatments prescribed by medical specialists... 38 00:02:50,840 --> 00:02:54,960 from well-known medicines like paracetamol to completely new medicines... 39 00:02:55,080 --> 00:02:58,200 anyone who uses medicines should be able to trust them. 40 00:02:58,320 --> 00:03:02,640 The MEB is dedicated to fulfilling this mission every single day... 41 00:03:02,760 --> 00:03:05,160 in the Netherlands and in Europe. 42 00:03:05,280 --> 00:03:07,720 Good medicines used better.