Drug safety refers to the practices and regulations that ensure medications are safe for use by the public. This includes rigorous testing during the drug development process, where potential side effects and interactions are studied. Regulatory agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversee these processes to protect consumers. Monitoring continues even after a drug is approved, as ongoing research helps identify any long-term effects or rare side effects that may not have been evident during initial trials. Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report any adverse reactions to ensure that drug safety remains a priority.