Final answer:
Prior to the establishment of the FDA, drugs were sold without proper regulation, leading to problems like addiction and adverse health effects. The lack of safety oversight meant that dangerous substances could be marketed as medicines. The FDA was created to ensure the safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals, exemplified by the scrutiny over drugs like aspirin.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before the creation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the drug industry faced numerous issues. Without proper regulation, dangerous substances like morphine and opium were sold as common medicines, without prohibition or adequate safety information. Consumers, unaware of the risks, often believed these medicines could cure their illnesses, only to end up grappling with drug addiction and adverse health consequences. This underscores the necessity for stringent testing and oversight of pharmaceuticals to prevent harm to public health.
The creation of the FDA in 1906 marked a significant turning point in ensuring the safety and efficacy of drugs. Before its establishment, medicines often reached the market without thorough testing, potentially leading to dire consequences like those associated with aspirin. Aspirin, despite its benefits, presents risks such as gastrointestinal bleeding and Reye's syndrome. The need for the FDA's role in scrutinizing drugs before they reach consumers cannot be overstated, as it aims to shield the public from unsafe medications.