Final answer:
Prescription drugs require practitioner supervision to prevent addiction, dependence, and side effects, being regulated by the FDA to ensure safety and efficacy. However, the rigorous approval process can delay the availability of new treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prescription drugs are unsafe for use except under the supervision of a practitioner because of the potential for addiction, dependence, or serious side effects. Prescription medications are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure they are safe and effective when used correctly. Under the supervision of a healthcare provider, medications are prescribed at doses that are appropriate for the patients' specific health conditions. Without such supervision, individuals risk drug abuse, which includes taking drugs without the advice of a medical professional and for purposes not intended by the prescribing physician, potentially leading to harmful consequences. The process of drug approval by the FDA includes rigorous testing, which is essential to protect the public from unsafe drugs. However, this strict regulation can also lead to delays in the availability of new treatments, which can be detrimental for patients waiting for new medications to manage their conditions.