Efficacy and Safety of Medications

Efficacy refers to how well a medication works to produce the desired effect under controlled conditions, such as in clinical trials. Safety assesses the possibility of side effects or harm that may arise from using the medication. Together, efficacy and safety determine whether a medication is appropriate for use. A medication can be effective, but if it has serious side effects, it may not be recommended. Conversely, a medication might be safe but not effective at treating a condition. Both aspects are vital for healthcare professionals when prescribing treatments.