Which regulatory agency is responsible for overseeing prescription medications in the United States?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the regulatory agency responsible for overseeing prescription medications in the United States. Its primary role is to ensure the safety and efficacy of drugs before they can be approved for public use. The FDA conducts rigorous evaluations of clinical trial data to determine whether a medication is safe and effective for its intended use. It also monitors the marketing of drugs, regulates labeling, and oversees advertising to ensure that companies do not misrepresent their products.

In addition to its primary function in drug approval, the FDA also continues to monitor medications after they are on the market, looking for any adverse effects that may arise and managing recalls or safety communications as necessary. This ensures ongoing safety and efficacy throughout the lifespan of a drug.

Other regulatory agencies mentioned have different roles; for instance, the DEA focuses on controlled substances and their legal handling, while the CDC and NIH concentrate on public health and medical research, respectively. Thus, the FDA is the key agency specifically tasked with the oversight of prescription medications.