consumers

Medicines prescribed by your doctor are assessed by the Medicines Evaluation Board (MEB). The MEB assesses the benefits of the medicine, i.e. whether a medicine is effective against a certain disease or symptom. The MEB also evaluates the potential risks or adverse events of a medicine. If it becomes evident that the benefits of the medicine outweigh the risks, then the medicine may be used in the Netherlands. The MEB issues a trade licence for the medicine. This is called marketing authorisation.

Medicines are never entirely free of risks. Information about the risks of a medicine is provided in the package leaflet. The manufacturer of the medicine submits a draft for these texts, but the final version is drawn up by the MEB. It is important that you always read the package leaflet carefully before using a medicinal product. By reading this leaflet carefully and following your doctor's or pharmacist's directions, you can avoid running unnecessary risks. All current package leaflets can be found in the MEB's Medicines data bank.

You can also report an adverse effect yourself. The MEB assesses all reports of adverse events from doctors, pharmacists and patients. In this way, the MEB monitors the risks of medicines after marketing authorisation as well.

The MEB maintains contact with consumers and patients through patient and consumer organisations. The MEB organises meetings with patient and consumer organisations four times a year since 2004 at which information is exchanged and discussions are held.