Ihmiskäyttö

Ihmiskäyttö is a Finnish term that denotes use intended for humans. It is used to distinguish products and treatments that are designed, evaluated, and approved for human exposure or consumption from those intended for animals or non-human contexts. The concept is common in contexts such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, cosmetics, and other health-related products.

In regulatory and labeling practice, phrases like “ihmiskäyttöön tarkoitettu” or “ihmiskäyttöön soveltuva” indicate that a product has undergone safety and efficacy assessment for human use. This designation is contrasted with categories such as veterinary use (eläinkäyttö) or research-use-only products (tutkimuskäyttöön). In Finland and within the European Union, products intended for human use are subject to regulatory oversight by authorities such as Fimea (Finnish Medicines Agency) and the EU agencies (EMA for medicines, along with relevant cosmetics and device regulations). The labeling and approval processes ensure that the product meets standards for quality, safety, and effectiveness before it can be marketed to the general public or prescribed to patients.

Differences with other categories are important in practice. Items labeled for human use are intended for actual medical treatment, diagnosis, or consumer health use, whereas those restricted to research or veterinary contexts are not approved for general human applications. Correct labeling supports informed use, proper oversight, and risk management, while mislabeling can lead to improper application and potential harm.