It is common to use the words remedy and medicine as synonyms, however, these are different terms. For this reason, we must be very careful in using these words. Next, we'll show you the differences between medications and medications. Follow up!
→ Medicines
According to the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), medicines "are substances or preparations prepared in pharmacies (manufactured drugs) or industries (industrial drugs), which must follow legal requirements of safety, efficacy and quality." This means that medications they are composed of substances that have scientifically proven efficacy and that have undergone rigorous technical control.
Medicines have the function of preventing, curing, diagnosing or reducing the symptoms of a given disease. Therefore, when using a drug, it is essential to keep in mind the desired result, since these products have a specific action.
When using a radiological contrast, for example, it cannot be expected to cure an illness, as it is a medicine with the purpose of helping the diagnosis. The same happens with the use of
vaccines, which should not be applied for cure, as they act in the prevention of some diseases.
→ Medicines
Medicines, when compared to medicines, have a much broader definition. The term is used for any kind of care that is given to the patient for the purpose of curing or alleviating the symptoms of an illness. The remedy, therefore, does not necessarily have to have gone through quality control, safety and efficacy, and it may even be homemade.
As an example of remedies, we can mention several techniques and products, such as the famous hot bath, a massage, a hot or cold compress, the traditional tea made at home and rest. In addition, we can also mention important recommendations, such as healthy eating habits and the practice of physical activities. It is worth emphasizing that medicines are also medicines.
→ Differences between Medicines and Medicines
Therefore, we can conclude that medications should only be used when the action expected with that use is known, since they are quite specific. In addition, a drug is prepared exclusively in pharmacies or industries, following a strict quality standard. Medicines, in turn, are used to relieve and cure some illnesses, but they do not always comply with the Ministry of Health's rules.
In short:
Every medicine is a medicine, but not every medicine is a medicine.
By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/saude-na-escola/diferenca-entre-remedio-medicamento.htm