How many medications do patients actually need? Who earns money from medicines, and to what extent? Why are so many drugs wasted and what can be done about it? These and other questions are the focus of the book. Erika Ziltener and Max Giger shed light on the entire spectrum of pharmaceuticals - from research to development to application. The search for new drugs has always been a driving force behind medical research. Both state institutions, especially universities, and private companies, especially the pharmaceutical industry, play a central role in this. The research activities of pharmaceutical companies are often focused on drugs that can generate high profits. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the industry has therefore increasingly focused on oncology and rare diseases. Another important field of research is the development of new antibiotics. The excessive or incorrect use of antibiotics is a serious problem as it promotes the emergence of resistant microorganisms. In individual cases, this can be life-threatening. The book is also dedicated to the problem of polypharmacy, especially in older people, who often suffer from several diseases. Why is it that too many medicines are often prescribed - although usually no more than five to six medicines would be necessary every day? The result is undesirable effects, which often have to be treated with additional medication. In addition, the authors analyze the causes of high drug prices and address differences in the use of drugs in men and women. They shed light on the effect and side effects as well as the waste of medication and what happens to unused medicines. The book offers a comprehensive insight into the complex interrelationships surrounding medicines and provides security in the handling of medicines - for experts and interested parties alike.