FRONTLINE investigates the FDA and drug safety, and questions whether the current system is adequate for protecting the public.

For many consumers, the phrase "FDA approved" signifies that a drug or product is completely safe and without risk.  But the recent voluntary recall of Vioxx, a widely prescribed arthritis pain medication, has raised questions about what the FDA approval process can - and cannot - do.  How good is the FDA's system for identifying drugs that don't work or cause harm?  And what happens when a harmful product makes its way into consumers' hands?  FRONTLINE investigates the FDA and drug safety, and questions whether the current system is adequate for protecting the public.