Dutch Medicines Information: Links

Aug 27

Medicines Information Bank (MIB): https://www.geneesmiddeleninformatiebank.nl/ords/f?p=111:1:0:::1:P0_DOMAIN,P0_LANG:H,EN

This is a government-run database by the Netherlands Medicines Authority (CBG-MEB).
It contains official product information (SmPC = Summary of Product Characteristics) for every medicine that has a marketing authorisation in the Netherlands.
It’s updated weekly, reflecting the status of medications two weeks prior.

Search by product name, active ingredient, excipient (inactive ingredient), or the marketing authorisation holder.
You can use wildcards (e.g. *cetamo will find Paracetamol) to help with partial names.
Search filters include pharmaceutical form (tablet, liquid, cream, injection, etc.), route of administration (oral, inhalation, topical, etc.), legal status (“only by prescription” vs “OTC” etc.), registration numbers.
It also shows whether the medicine is under “additional monitoring” (i.e. extra safety surveillance), recently updated SmPC or package leaflet, or if authorisation has been withdrawn or suspended.

It’s an authoritative source — the official text that companies must submit to regulators.
Helps to cross-check what your doctor or pharmacist tells you against what’s officially documented.
Helps with understanding the medicine’s details: what excipients are present (useful for allergies), how it’s administered, whether it’s newly approved, etc.

This is an independent Dutch medicines information site run by Zorginstituut Nederland.
The site has detailed, up-to-date info about medicines, how they work, when and how they’re used, safety considerations, cost, interactions, and special cases (like for children, pregnant women, or older adults).
It’s primarily aimed at healthcare professionals, but you as a patient or layperson can use it to understand your medicines better.

Medicijnen (Medicines by active substance)
Descriptions of individual drugs: what they do, how to take them, side effects.
Geneesmiddelgroepen (Drug groups)
Info about groups of medicines that work similarly or are used for similar conditions (eg. certain antibiotics or blood pressure meds).
Indicaties (Indications)
For what conditions a medicine is used, background and advice on treatment plans.
Farmacologie (Pharmacology), Bijzondere patiëntengroepen (special patient groups)
How medicines are processed by the body (absorption, distribution, breakdown, excretion), and special considerations if you’re pregnant, elderly, or a child.
Themes & Practical Issues
E.g. “off-label” use (using a medicine in a way not precisely covered by its official label), environmental impact, cost/care insurance, etc.

Provides trusted info from official sources, so you avoid sketchy or outdated drug info.
Helps you be an informed partner in your care: you’ll understand why you take what, what side effects might happen, what precautions exist.
Helps when side effects or uncertainties arise; you can check FK to get context before contacting your doctor.