Guide
Medicine, supplement or medical device — what is the difference
Prepared by the LekCheck team · Last reviewed: 2026-07-25 · How we create our content
Pharmacies sell products from different categories — medicines, food supplements and medical devices. They can look similar, but they are regulated differently and have different requirements for proving effect and safety. Below we explain the differences so you can make an informed choice. This is general information, not advice on a specific product.
This guide was prepared by the LekCheck team and has not been reviewed by a doctor or pharmacist. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not start, stop, or change any treatment without consulting a doctor or pharmacist.
Medicines
Medicines go through a strict assessment of quality, safety and efficacy before they receive a marketing authorisation. They have approved indications (what they are used for), a dosage and a leaflet with warnings. Only medicines can claim to 'treat', 'prevent' or 'relieve' a specific disease within the approved scope.
Food supplements
Food supplements are foods intended to supplement the diet (e.g. vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts). They are not medicines and are not assessed by the same strict process for efficacy. By law, a supplement cannot claim to treat or prevent a disease — only general claims about a contribution to normal functions are allowed.
Medical devices
Medical devices act mainly physically/mechanically rather than through a pharmacological action — for example dressings, sea-water nasal sprays, eye lubricants, tests, thermometers. They carry a CE mark and an intended purpose. Their effect is based on a physical effect, not on an active ingredient as with medicines.
Why the difference matters
The category determines what you can expect and how to interpret the claims. Flashy advertising of a supplement is not equal to a proven medicinal effect. For a real health problem, a medicine with approved indications or a medical assessment leads. If unsure what a product is and whether it suits you, ask a pharmacist.
Frequently asked questions
Do food supplements cure diseases?
No. By law, food supplements cannot claim to cure or prevent a disease — they only supplement the diet. If a condition needs treatment, a supplement does not replace a medicine or medical judgement. Be careful with products that promise to 'cure' diseases.
How do I tell whether a product is a medicine or a supplement?
Medicines have a marketing authorisation and a leaflet with approved indications and dosage, while supplements are labelled as a 'food supplement' and carry a recommended daily dose but not medicinal indications. If unsure, ask a pharmacist which category the product is.
Is a sea-water nasal spray a medical device?
Often yes — products based on sea/saline water that act by moistening and cleaning are usually medical devices, not medicines. Nasal sprays with an active substance (e.g. a decongestant or corticosteroid) are medicines. Check the labelling on the pack.
Are supplements safer because they are 'natural'?
'Natural' does not automatically mean safe or free of interactions. Herbal and other supplements can interact with medicines or be unsuitable in certain conditions, pregnancy or breastfeeding. Read the labelling and, when taking medicines, consult a pharmacist.
Why do the prices and claims differ so much?
Different categories have different requirements and costs for proving effect, and supplement marketing is often more aggressive. So compare not only the price but also what the product actually is and what claims are allowed for its category. A pharmacist can help with an informed choice.