Medicine's efficacy

[Susma_Rio_Sep]

I seem to have read somewhere, the FDA does not guarantee that a medicine put in the market is efficacious, only that it does not cause harm.

How does FDA understand harm?

Susma Rio Sep

[Smeghead]

I believe that that applies only to herbal supplements - you’ll see disclaimers on them that say they’re not intended to treat any diseases and their claims haven’t been evaluated by the FDA. Medicines that make claims - “I help treat cancer” - do have to prove efficacy. That’s part of the whole FDA approval process.

[Squink]

The Food and Drug Administration touches the lives of virtually every American every day. For it is FDA’s job to see that the food we eat is safe and wholesome, the cosmetics we use won’t hurt us, the medicines and medical devices we use are safe and effective, and that radiation-emitting products such as microwave ovens won’t do us harm.

from here.
The FDA has for decades, required that drugs be “Safe and effective”. Dietary supplements are not subject to such scrutiny.