Ravimeid

Ravimeid are substances used to diagnose, treat, prevent disease, or alleviate symptoms. They include chemical compounds, biological products, vaccines, and newer therapies such as gene or cell-based treatments. Medicines are formulated in various forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, injections, creams, and inhalants, and are administered by different routes depending on their purpose.

Regulation and oversight are central to the quality, safety, and efficacy of ravimeid. In the European Union, medicines are evaluated for quality, safety, and efficacy by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and national authorities. In Estonia, the State Agency of Medicines (Ravimiamet) coordinates licensing, supervision, and pharmacovigilance, ensuring that medicines on the market meet defined standards. Process steps typically include preclinical research, clinical trials (phases I–III), manufacturing under good manufacturing practice (GMP), and marketing authorization. After approval, ongoing monitoring for adverse effects and safety signals—pharmacovigilance—continues post-launch.

Types and access also shape how ravimeid are used. Prescription medicines (retseptiravimid) require a healthcare professional’s oversight, while over-the-counter medicines (käsimüügiravimid) are available without a prescription for common conditions. Public health systems and reimbursement policies influence affordability and accessibility.

Safety and responsible use are central concerns. Correct dosing, adherence, storage, and awareness of drug interactions reduce risks. Misuse, improper storage, counterfeit products, and antimicrobial resistance pose ongoing challenges. Education, reliable information, and robust regulatory frameworks help maintain the balance between therapeutic benefits and potential harms.