What does the FDA ensure regarding medications before they are sold to the public?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a pivotal role in ensuring that medications undergo rigorous testing before they become available to the public. This robust testing protocol involves several phases of clinical trials, which assess the drug's safety, efficacy, and potential side effects in diverse populations.

The extensive scrutiny carried out by the FDA is designed to protect public health by verifying that the medications are effective for their intended use and that the benefits outweigh any potential risks. The evaluation process also encompasses reviewing data related to the drug's chemistry, manufacturing practices, and labeling.

This rigorous testing is crucial because it helps catch any significant safety concerns or adverse effects that may arise in real-world usage before approval. The other options do not reflect the FDA's core mission; for example, ensuring lower prices or easy access are not primary objectives of the FDA, and it is important to note that all medications have potential side effects, which must be carefully studied and communicated to the public.