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What is the correct statement regarding the relationship between drugs and medicines?

  1. All drugs are necessarily safe

  2. All drugs qualify as medicines

  3. Some drugs can be harmful

  4. All medicines are drugs

The correct answer is: Some drugs can be harmful

The correct statement is that some drugs can be harmful. This highlights an important aspect of pharmacology and health. While many drugs are developed and used for therapeutic purposes, it does not mean that all drugs are safe for everyone or without risk. Certain drugs can have side effects, cause dependency, or lead to adverse reactions, especially if misused or taken inappropriately. This understanding is crucial in healthcare, emphasizing the need for careful prescription and monitoring of drug use. The context of other statements also helps clarify why this is the most accurate option. Not all drugs qualify as medicines since not every drug is intended for therapeutic purposes; some may be illegal or have no health benefits. Similarly, while most medicines are indeed considered drugs—because they are substances used to diagnose, treat, or prevent illness—this does not encapsulate the distinction that ideals of safety and effectiveness vary among various types of drugs.