A medicine is commonly defined as a substance or preparation that can treat or prevent disease. Historically, most medicines were made from natural products. Advances in the last two centuries have led to the introduction of man-made chemical medicines, biologics and gene therapies.
Medicines are chemicals or compounds used to cure, halt, or prevent disease; ease symptoms; or help in the diagnosis of illnesses. Advances in medicines have enabled doctors to cure many diseases and save lives. These days, medicines come from a variety of sources.
Examples of active ingredients include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and atorvastatin. Inactive ingredients include lactose, cellulose, and parabens. Most medications are made from chemicals and follow a recipe. Other medications, called biologics, come from living sources and have a more complex manufacturing process.
