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Your health and the pharmaceutical industry

BY READERS DIGEST

19th Aug 2021 Health Conditions

Your health and the pharmaceutical industry

If there is one thing the past couple of years have taught us it would be that we have taken the pharmaceutical industry for granted.

When you get sick, you go to the doctor and will almost always get some kind of prescription for a device or medication. You probably never realized just what goes into getting that product to market, but now that you’ve survived a global pandemic, you have a greater appreciation for drug benefits and just how important pharmaceuticals are. In fact, the pharmaceutical industry also accounts for cosmetics and other products you never would have associated with pharmaceuticals! Let’s take a quick look at the pharmaceutical industry and what goes into it to make every product safe for today’s consumer.

Regulated by the food and drug administration

Obviously, pharmaceuticals are regulated by the FDA, but did you know that many products that go in or on the body are also regulated by the government? As a result,all pharmaceutical companies must comply with a number of regulations in terms of every single aspect of the industry from the ingredients and tools being used in clinical practice to the way in which products are made, stored, and shipped.

When it comes to manufacturing, it may not be required but it is always wise to take a course in Good Manufacturing Practices, often referred to simply as GMP. Training and GMP certification can quickly inspire a new recruit to continue growing in knowledge and training.

Good manufacturing practices

Let’s talk for a minute about those Good Manufacturing Practices spoken of above. While some positions are required to be filled by health professionals holding degrees, there are a number of entry-level jobs where training is done on the job. The level of knowledge and experience required are also industry standards in most cases.

With that being said, even when a position doesn’t require you to have a degree or any previous experience within the pharmaceutical industry, it is beneficial to take a GMP certification course so that you will know exactly what is expected of you and how to be in compliance with FDA regulations. Remember, the reason government regulates these products is for the health and safety of consumers.

Good news for consumers

As a consumer yourself, it’s good to know that there is a high level of quality control and regulatory practices that go into each and every product on the market. When it comes to a person’s health, no corner can be cut. No matter which department of a pharmaceutical manufacturing company you are employed in, there are Good Manufacturing Practices to be observed. This is good news for consumers who are seeking to trust drug companies and the medications they consume. From vitamins to vaccines that fight infectious diseases and everything in between, you can rest assured there are strict rules and regulations being observed.

Perhaps one of the most surprising aspects of the past couple of years would be the way in which consumers have learned a new appreciation for just what goes into getting pharmaceuticals to market. If you have been inspired to get your foot in the door, perhaps today is the day to begin a whole new career.

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