For many years, drugs and medications have been developed to treat many different diseases. Vaccinations have been carried out to treat large epidemics, such as smallpox and, more recently, the H1N1 virus. Over-the-counter medications have been produced to help reduce acid reflux and swelling. Despite these discoveries, there are still many drugs to be developed to treat diseases like cancer and AIDS. When pharmacists study medicine and medications, it is important for scientists to understand how medications are used to help the body function. Microorganisms attack billions of humans and animals every day. These microorganisms are called invaders. These invaders cause the body to react as different lines of defense. Examples of nonspecific defense mechanisms are skin, mucus, white blood cells, and blood clotting that defend invaders. Examples of specific defense mechanisms are antibodies and memory cells. Another term for drugs and medicines is pharmaceuticals. These products include different types of drugs and medicines. A drug is “a chemical that affects the way the body functions” (Brown). A medication will change the body in negative or positive ways. Drugs like heroin and cocaine could essentially harm the body. A medicine is “a substance that improves health” (Brown). Medicines generally have a therapeutic effect on the body because they are beneficial medicines. In general, “a medicine or drug is any chemical that alters the physiological state, including consciousness, activity level or coordination, incoming sensory sensations, or moods and emotions” (“Option”) . The placebo effect is a controversial topic that has been used as a therapeutic drug that isn't really one. The patient believes he is taking a...... middle of paper ......nter. Internet. February 19, 2012. “Antibacterials.” Internet. February 19, 2012. .Brown, Catrin and Mike Ford. Higher Level Chemistry: Developed specifically for the IB Diploma. Pearson, 2009. “Depressants” print. Internet. February 19, 2012. “Alcohol Consumption in America: Myths, Realities, and Prevention Policy.” » Internet. February 19, 2012. “Option D: Medicines and drugs.” Organization of the International Baccalaureate 2007. Web. February 18, 2012. "Why overuse of antacids can be dangerous | No more heartburn." No More Heartburn – Does Heartburn Really Stop Working? Read user reviews! Internet. February 19. 2012. .