Drugs
and medicine have a wide range of effects on one's body.
Of these effects, the alleviation of symptoms or the curing
of a disease - in short, a drug's intended purpose - are
referred to as a drug's efficacy, or "benefits."
Other undesirable effects are known as side effects, or
"risks." In other
words, all drugs and medicine carry both benefits and
risks and are used with the balance of these benefits
and risks in mind.
Information available concerning
a given drug has substantial influence on how this
balance is regarded. Such information comprises efficacy,
usage, dosage, and any foreseeable risks. A drug's true
value is attained by understanding this information and
strictly observing its prescribed usage and dosage. Hence,
a drug's true function is
only fulfilled after all information concerning it has
been properly compiled.
