Which agencies regulate the advertising of legend drugs and non-prescription medications?

The Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are the primary agencies responsible for regulating the advertising of legend drugs and non-prescription medications. The FDA's authority comes from its mandate to ensure that drugs are safe and effective before they can be marketed, and as part of this role, it oversees the advertising and promotional materials for prescription medications. This includes requiring that promotional claims be truthful, not misleading, and substantiated by evidence.

On the other hand, the FTC regulates advertising for non-prescription medications (over-the-counter drugs) by enforcing federal laws against deceptive advertising. This includes monitoring claims made in advertising to ensure they are truthful and supported by scientific evidence.

The other options listed involve regulatory bodies that do not focus on drug advertising. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) primarily address drug enforcement and public health, respectively, but they do not oversee advertising. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are concerned with environmental protection and occupational health and safety, which do not directly pertain to pharmaceutical advertising. Similarly, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention