Abstract
The efficacy of pharmacotherapy is limited by the occurrence of adverse drug reactions and the interactions between several drugs in polypharmacy, which are difficult to predict. Taking into account the complex mode of action of drugs, including their specific profiles of side effects, high demands are placed on the medical information with respect to a proper and complete clarification of the risks and alternative information under the precept of patient-oriented comprehensibility; however, these requirements can hardly ever be fulfilled in everyday medical practice. This article discusses the practical limitations of the information provided prior to the initiation and monitoring of drug therapy on the basis of selected current case law. In particular, the potential for conflict between the Patients' Rights Act and the so-called right to non-knowledge is highlighted.