Which entity is mainly responsible for regulating pharmaceuticals and pharmacies in the United States?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the primary entity responsible for regulating pharmaceuticals and pharmacies in the United States. The FDA ensures the safety and efficacy of drugs, oversees the approval process for new medications, and monitors the manufacturing practices of pharmaceutical companies to ensure compliance with federal standards. This includes reviewing clinical trial data before a drug can be marketed and monitoring post-market safety through adverse event reporting. The FDA also establishes regulations that pharmacies must follow in terms of compounding medications and dispensing practices.

While other agencies, such as the Department of Health and Human Services, play significant roles in public health policy and regulation, they do so in conjunction with the FDA but do not specifically handle the regulation of pharmaceuticals as their primary responsibility. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) focuses on public health issues, disease prevention, and health education rather than the direct regulation of drugs. Lastly, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) primarily deals with environmental protection and does not have a direct role in the regulation of pharmaceuticals.