What is the function of the FDA regarding pharmaceuticals?

The function of the FDA, or the Food and Drug Administration, primarily revolves around ensuring that pharmaceuticals are both safe and effective for public use. This agency is responsible for evaluating new drugs before they can enter the market, which involves rigorous testing and review processes to confirm that the benefits of a drug outweigh its risks. This regulatory oversight is critical to protecting public health, as it ensures that any pharmaceutical products available to consumers meet established safety standards and efficacy requirements.

The FDA also continuously monitors drugs after they are on the market to identify any potential adverse effects and to take appropriate actions if necessary. This long-term commitment to public safety reinforces the importance of the FDA's role in the pharmaceutical industry, making assurance of safety and efficacy its primary objective.