What is the primary focus of REMS programs?

The primary focus of Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) programs is to ensure the safe use of specific drugs. REMS are required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for certain medications that have significant risks associated with their use. These strategies are put in place to mitigate those risks and ensure that the benefits of the drug outweigh its potential dangers.

REMS may include provisions for healthcare providers, pharmacists, and patients to follow, such as specific training, patient monitoring, and distribution controls. The goal is to enhance safety and prevent adverse events that could arise from inappropriate use of the medication. Implementing these strategies is essential for maintaining patient safety while ensuring that necessary medications remain available to those who need them.

Other choices do not align with the purpose of REMS; for example, increasing insurance premiums or enhancing drug marketing strategies does not relate to safety measures, and reducing pharmacy costs does not focus on the careful monitoring of drug use. Making the emphasis on safety is crucial in any therapeutic setting, specifically for drugs with known safety issues.