How is the safety of drugs determined?

It takes a long time for medicines to be developed. Looking at drugs used in women's health and more, Laura and Ellie look at what goes into their development, how the risks are weighed against the benefits, and how the known benefits of a drug can change as we learn more about them.

Fact check:

• A review of paracetamol/Tylenol development
• Statistics on drug development
• How much paracetamol is consumed in the UK in a year
• Thalidomide is still in use, but not for treating morning sickness
• Quinine for leg cramps should maybe be a last resort
• Statistics on use of the contraceptive pill
• Side effects of the contraceptive pill