Who is responsible for monitoring the safety and effectiveness of OTC medications?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the federal agency responsible for monitoring the safety and effectiveness of over-the-counter (OTC) medications. The FDA plays a critical role in ensuring that OTC drugs are safe for public use, which includes reviewing the ingredients, labeling, and manufacturing processes involved in these products.

The FDA evaluates the efficacy of OTC medications based on scientific evidence and data provided by the manufacturers. This regulatory oversight helps to ensure that consumers can use these medications safely and effectively without a prescription. Comprehensive review processes by the FDA involve pre-market evaluations and post-market surveillance to track any adverse effects or safety concerns that may arise once these medications are on the market.

The other agencies mentioned in the choices serve different roles. The CDC primarily focuses on public health and disease prevention, the NIH is involved in medical research and funding, and the EPA deals with environmental protection and issues related to chemicals and pollutants but does not oversee the safety of medications. Thus, the FDA is the correct agency responsible for the safety and effectiveness of OTC medications.