Singulair and the FDA: Are they keeping us safe?

"The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation's food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. The FDA is also responsible for advancing the public health by helping to speed innovations that make medicines and foods more effective, safer, and more affordable; and helping the public get the accurate, science-based information they need to use medicines and foods to improve their health."

Undoubtedly, the FDA has a very difficult and complicated mission and millions of lives are at stake when they make mistakes or missteps. But when missteps like these happen, all at once, one has to wonder what is breaking down within the system. What crucial testing stages are being overlooked? How has globalization of raw ingredients changed how medicines are being produced? How is the global process of sourcing ingredients changing the reliability of a medicine's desired and undesired effect? What pressures are being places on the FDA's bureaucratic system? In the public clamor for more medication, are pharma companies skipping valuable steps in the testing process?

And the biggest question of all for us, the consumers, whom do we trust? The doctors that are suggesting the medications?

The FDA that says they are safe?

The online chat rooms that tell of side effects not mentioned on the inserts?

Or do we trust all three?

See also: 

Singulair and suicide risk -- Don't worry yet

Singulair Drug Information Page