Drugs database launches online

AN ONLINE database of drug information has been launched by the Ministry of Health.

The free site www.medicaments.gouv.fr contains extensive details of pharmaceuticals including their effects, side effects, manufacturers and recommended use and precautions.

It also lists prices and rates of reimbursement through the health service and will inform users if the drug is still available on the market or has been suspended or withdrawn.

Users can also search for active ingredients, read up on the legal processes involved putting drugs on the market and consult a glossary.

It has been created from information from the drugs authority, the Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé (ANSM), the social security group the Union des caisses d'assurance maladie and the Ministry of Health.

Photo: sxc alaasafeit Alaa Hamed