What is the primary role of the FDA in pharmacy practice?

The primary role of the FDA, or Food and Drug Administration, in pharmacy practice is to regulate drug safety and ensure compliance with federal laws. This function encompasses a broad range of responsibilities, including the evaluation and assessment of new medications before they can be marketed to the public. The FDA establishes standards for the safety and efficacy of drugs and monitors the manufacturing processes to ensure that they meet regulatory standards.

This oversight is crucial for protecting public health, as it helps to identify potential dangers associated with pharmaceuticals and ensures that drugs are both safe and effective for patient use. The FDA also plays a role in monitoring adverse events related to drugs once they are on the market, enabling ongoing assessment of drug safety even after approval.

The other options describe functions that do not accurately reflect the FDA's primary role. For instance, while the FDA may have an impact in the context of marketing new drugs, it does not directly market drugs itself. Setting drug prices is primarily the responsibility of pharmaceutical companies and has minimal involvement from the FDA. Furthermore, conducting pharmacy audits relates more to state pharmacy boards or private insurers than to the FDA’s regulatory role.