A formulary is a list of medications and treatments that are approved for use within a specific healthcare system, such as a hospital or insurance plan. It helps healthcare providers make informed decisions about prescribing medications, ensuring that patients receive effective and safe treatments. Formularies often categorize drugs based on their effectiveness, cost, and safety. Formularies can vary between different healthcare organizations and may include both generic and brand-name medications. They are regularly updated to reflect new research, changes in drug availability, and emerging therapies. This ensures that patients have access to the most current and effective treatments while managing healthcare costs.