Lijekova

Lijekova is a term used in several South Slavic languages, including Bosnian, Croatian, Montenegrin, and Serbian, to refer to medicines or drugs. They are substances used to prevent, diagnose, treat, or relieve symptoms of disease and may include chemical medicines, biologics, vaccines, and herbal or natural preparations. Lijekova can be obtained by prescription or sold over the counter, depending on the regulatory framework of a country.

Medicines come in a variety of forms and delivery methods. Common forms include tablets and capsules, liquids, injections, topical creams and ointments, patches, inhalers, and nasal or vaginal preparations. They may be synthetic, semi-synthetic, or derived from natural sources. Many medicines are available as generics after patent protection expires, providing more affordable options alongside brand-name products. Medicines are often categorized by their therapeutic use, mechanism of action, or route of administration.

Regulation and safety: In most countries, medicines require regulatory authorization before they can be marketed. Health authorities assess quality, safety, and efficacy, set labeling and storage requirements, and monitor post-market safety through pharmacovigilance and adverse event reporting. Patients and healthcare professionals are advised to use medicines according to approved indications and dosing, consider potential drug interactions, and follow guidelines for safe storage and disposal.

Public health and access: The availability and rational use of medicines are central to healthcare systems. Efforts focus on essential medicines lists, affordability, supply stability, and education to promote safe and effective use of lije kova for improving health outcomes.