South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

Which agency oversees the advertisement of OTC products?

1. Food and Drug Administration

2. Federal Trade Commission

3. Drug Enforcement Administration

4. Consumer Product Safety Commission

The correct answer is: Federal Trade Commission

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the agency responsible for overseeing the advertisement of over-the-counter (OTC) products. Its primary role is to protect consumers by ensuring that advertising is truthful and not misleading. The FTC enforces laws related to advertising practices, which includes ensuring that claims made about OTC products are substantiated and that consumers are not misled by false or deceptive advertising. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating the safety, effectiveness, and labeling of drugs, including OTC medications, it does not manage advertising practices directly. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) primarily focuses on the control of narcotics and other controlled substances, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) covers safety regulations for consumer products, distinct from the advertising of OTC medications. Hence, the responsibility for overseeing advertisement falls under the FTC, ensuring that the marketing of OTC products adheres to truthful and fair advertising standards.