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Medical writer/editor and clinical pharmacist with a passion for translating complex medical information into actionable, empathetic content.

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Explore a featured selection of my work below.

MedShadow Foundation •

When the Neighborhood Pharmacy Closes, ‘Everything Changes’ - MedShadow Foundation | Independent Health & Wellness Journalism

Community pharmacists (those who work in retail pharmacies) are uniquely qualified to provide fast, accurate, and reliable medication advice. And pharmacists have long been regarded as one of the most trusted professions in America, serving as a steady anchor in communities nationwide.
In fact, Americans go to the pharmacy twice as often as they visit other healthcare providers.
But that kind of access is getting harder to find, especially in lower-income neighborhoods. This year, Rite Aid shut...
Unbiased Science •

Leucovorin, Autism, and the FDA: Separating Political Promises from Scientific Proof

Every time we open Facebook, the algorithm serves up another round of parent-targeted groups with names like “Autism Recovery Network” or “Biomedical Healing for ASD.” Posts are asking “Has anyone tried leucovorin?” and “How do I get my doctor to prescribe folinic acid?” The same promises, the same desperate hope, the same unverified claims spreading from group to group.If you’re a parent of an autistic child, you’ve probably seen them too. Maybe you’ve even clicked through, looking for ways to...
GoodRx •

How to Know If You’re Addicted to Weed - GoodRx

Even though it’s still technically illegal nationwide, cannabis is one of the most commonly used drugs in the U.S. Though some types of cannabis may have benefits, it can also be misused and even lead to addiction — known as cannabis use disorder. In fact, about 3 out of every 10 people who use cannabis have a cannabis use disorder. So, how do you know if your personal or medicinal cannabis use has gotten out of hand? Let’s take a closer look at what you might notice if you (or a friend or famil...
GoodRx •

Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder: What Works Best to Stop Drinking? - GoodRx

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a condition where a person has difficulty managing their alcohol use. There are several ways to treat AUD, including therapy, support groups, and medications. But what are the specific medications used to treat AUD, and what’s the difference between them?Here, we’ll cover five of the most effective types of medication for AUD to help you stop drinking.Naltrexone is a first-choice option for moderate-to-severe AUD, according to the American Psychiatric Association (A...
MedShadow Foundation •

The Truth About Supplements: Safety, Oversight, and the FDA’s Role - MedShadow Foundation | Independent Health & Wellness Journalism

2020 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows supplements are part of daily life for more than half of U.S. adults. But despite widespread use, these products are not reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), even though many people believe they are.


While prescription drugs are rigorously tested, supplements are sold without FDA input. This leaves consumers to sort through the 100,000+ supplements on the market today, many of which are promoted with misl...
MedShadow Foundation •

Ozempic and Alcohol: Can I Drink While Taking GLP-1 Drugs?

Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus. These brand-name medications all contain semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist. Collectively, GLP-1 drugs can help treat a wide range of medical conditions, from diabetes to obesity.
According to a 2025 poll from the health policy information organization KFF, about 1 in 8 U.S. adults have taken GLP-1s at some point in their lives. If that includes you, and you find yourself having a drink every now and then, it’s helpful to know that moderate alcohol...
GoodRx •

What Medications Cause False-Positive Drug Tests? - GoodRx

If you or your healthcare team are concerned that a substance in your body might be affecting your health, a drug test can provide helpful information. It can detect the presence of certain medications and substances in your system.The most common type of drug test is a urine test. However, there are times when the test results may be inaccurate. For instance, a false positive is when a drug test shows the presence of a medication or substance that you didn’t actually take. But how does this hap...
EverydayHealth.com •

Understanding Your HR+/HER- Metastatic Breast Cancer Treatment

The cells in HR-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer have receptors for the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Because these hormones help fuel the growth of the tumor, your treatment plan will likely include endocrine therapy, which can suppress estrogen and progesterone levels in the body.Germline testing isn’t always widely available, so if it isn’t offered to you, Dr. Irie recommends talking to your oncologist and asking if the test is right for you.The genetic makeup of the cancer is just...
GoodRx •

Can You Take Viagra and Drink Alcohol? - GoodRx

If you have erectile dysfunction (ED), prescription medications such as Viagra (sildenafil) can help bring confidence back to your sex life. Viagra belongs to a group of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Other PDE5 inhibitors that treat ED include Cialis (tadalafil), Stendra (avanafil), and vardenafil (formerly known by the brand name Levitra).Before starting a PDE5 inhibitor, your prescriber may want to discuss whether you drink alcohol. That’s because combining Via...
GoodRx •

Is There an RSV Vaccine? All the Latest Developments - GoodRx

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of illness, especially in children under 2 years old. Most of the time, RSV symptoms are mild. They include a runny nose, coughing, and fever. But for some people, an RSV infection results in severe illness. Premature infants, adults older than 65, and anyone with a weakened immune system are more at risk for complications from RSV.If you or your child have ever had RSV, you might be wondering if there’s a vaccine for it. Here, we’ll cover whic...
GoodRx •

Do Ibuprofen and NSAIDs Cause Heart Attacks? - GoodRx

If you’ve ever taken a medication like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), you’ve taken a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Many NSAIDs are available over the counter (OTC). They’re often used for everyday aches and pains, or to lower a fever. But just because some NSAIDs are available OTC doesn’t mean they’re risk-free. Research shows that NSAIDs like ibuprofen can increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke, especially at high doses. But how concerned s...
GoodRx •

Tylenol and Pregnancy Risks: What You Need to Know - GoodRx

Pregnancy can be a time of great joy. But it can also be a time of great discomfort. As your baby bump grows, so does the likelihood you’ll feel all the aches and pains of pregnancy. Back pain, achy joints, and even sciatica could make your pregnancy harder to manage. Experiencing aches and pains during pregnancy is common. In fact, 3 out of 4 women report taking a pain reliever during pregnancy. And of these women, over 70% of them are using Tylenol (acetaminophen), a popular over-the-counter (...
GoodRx •

Real vs. Fake Botox: What You Need to Know About Counterfeits - GoodRx

As of April 2024, counterfeit versions of Botox Cosmetic and Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) have appeared in several U.S. states. Some of these incidents have resulted in serious health problems, with several people being hospitalized after receiving an injection of fake Botox. For those who rely on Botox to treat a health condition, such as certain bladder and muscle problems, or if Botox Cosmetic is your go-to for treating facial wrinkles, this news might be alarming. But we’re here to help.Below,...

My Latest Work

Unbiased Science •

9 Vaccine Myths That Won’t Go Away

Confusion around vaccines rarely comes from a lack of caring. It comes from the sheer volume of conflicting claims people encounter every day. And when misinformation spreads faster than evidence, straightforward explanations become essential. Here, we address common vaccine myths.​​It’s understandable for parents to wonder whether the recommended schedule exposes infants to “too many” vaccines early in life. But the immune system is built to handle an enormous number of antigens — viruses, bact...
MedShadow Foundation •

When the Neighborhood Pharmacy Closes, ‘Everything Changes’ - MedShadow Foundation | Independent Health & Wellness Journalism

Community pharmacists (those who work in retail pharmacies) are uniquely qualified to provide fast, accurate, and reliable medication advice. And pharmacists have long been regarded as one of the most trusted professions in America, serving as a steady anchor in communities nationwide.
In fact, Americans go to the pharmacy twice as often as they visit other healthcare providers.
But that kind of access is getting harder to find, especially in lower-income neighborhoods. This year, Rite Aid shut...
Unbiased Science •

“I Got Pregnant on Ozempic”: The Science Behind #OzempicBabies

When I first started seeing #OzempicBabies trending on social media, I’ll admit I was confused. Were these people proudly proclaiming they were on these medications? Like a celebratory “Yeah, baby, I’m on Ozempic!”?No. It turns out it referred to something entirely different… and far more complex.The hashtag represents a growing phenomenon of unexpected pregnancies among people taking GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic. Facebook groups such as “I Got Pregnant on Ozempic” and countless Reddit threads ar...
Unbiased Science •

Leucovorin, Autism, and the FDA: Separating Political Promises from Scientific Proof

Every time we open Facebook, the algorithm serves up another round of parent-targeted groups with names like “Autism Recovery Network” or “Biomedical Healing for ASD.” Posts are asking “Has anyone tried leucovorin?” and “How do I get my doctor to prescribe folinic acid?” The same promises, the same desperate hope, the same unverified claims spreading from group to group.If you’re a parent of an autistic child, you’ve probably seen them too. Maybe you’ve even clicked through, looking for ways to...
MedShadow Foundation •

Can I Take Amiodarone (Pacerone) and Atorvastatin (Lipitor) Together? - MedShadow Foundation | Independent Health & Wellness Journalism

Atorvastatin (Lipitor, Atorvaliq) was the most commonly prescribed medication in the U.S. in 2023. It belongs to a group of drugs called statins, which can help lower “bad” cholesterol levels (called LDL) in the body and reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and even death in many individuals. Examples of other statins include rosuvastatin (Crestor), simvastatin (Zocor, FloLipid), and pravastatin.


With nearly half of U.S. adults aged 56 to 75 years old qualifying for statin treatment under...
GoodRx •

How to Know If You’re Addicted to Weed - GoodRx

Even though it’s still technically illegal nationwide, cannabis is one of the most commonly used drugs in the U.S. Though some types of cannabis may have benefits, it can also be misused and even lead to addiction — known as cannabis use disorder. In fact, about 3 out of every 10 people who use cannabis have a cannabis use disorder. So, how do you know if your personal or medicinal cannabis use has gotten out of hand? Let’s take a closer look at what you might notice if you (or a friend or famil...
GoodRx •

Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder: What Works Best to Stop Drinking? - GoodRx

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a condition where a person has difficulty managing their alcohol use. There are several ways to treat AUD, including therapy, support groups, and medications. But what are the specific medications used to treat AUD, and what’s the difference between them?Here, we’ll cover five of the most effective types of medication for AUD to help you stop drinking.Naltrexone is a first-choice option for moderate-to-severe AUD, according to the American Psychiatric Association (A...
MedShadow Foundation •

The Truth About Supplements: Safety, Oversight, and the FDA’s Role - MedShadow Foundation | Independent Health & Wellness Journalism

2020 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows supplements are part of daily life for more than half of U.S. adults. But despite widespread use, these products are not reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), even though many people believe they are.


While prescription drugs are rigorously tested, supplements are sold without FDA input. This leaves consumers to sort through the 100,000+ supplements on the market today, many of which are promoted with misl...
MedShadow Foundation •

Ozempic and Alcohol: Can I Drink While Taking GLP-1 Drugs?

Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus. These brand-name medications all contain semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist. Collectively, GLP-1 drugs can help treat a wide range of medical conditions, from diabetes to obesity.
According to a 2025 poll from the health policy information organization KFF, about 1 in 8 U.S. adults have taken GLP-1s at some point in their lives. If that includes you, and you find yourself having a drink every now and then, it’s helpful to know that moderate alcohol...
Ro •

Does ExtenZe Work for Erectile Dysfunction?

Safer, far more evidence-backed options for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) include prescription medications, such as Viagra, Cialis, Ro Sparks, and Daily Rise Gummies, and lifestyle changes.There isn’t research to show ExtenZe pills are safe or effective. While some of the ingredients in the product have been studied for ED, there’s no evidence that it’s a good treatment option.ExtenZe is an over-the-counter male enhancement supplement that purportedly treats erectile dysfunction (ED), but e...
GoodRx •

What Medications Cause False-Positive Drug Tests? - GoodRx

If you or your healthcare team are concerned that a substance in your body might be affecting your health, a drug test can provide helpful information. It can detect the presence of certain medications and substances in your system.The most common type of drug test is a urine test. However, there are times when the test results may be inaccurate. For instance, a false positive is when a drug test shows the presence of a medication or substance that you didn’t actually take. But how does this hap...
EverydayHealth.com •

How to Monitor the Progression of Metastatic Breast Cancer

When you have HR+/HER2– metastatic breast cancer, a big part of treatment includes monitoring the condition with routine scans, physical exams, and blood tests. But the type of testing you’ll need — and how often you’ll need it — will partly depend on your treatment goals.Ideally, treatment will “limit the progression of the cancer and maintain quality and longevity of life,” says Hanna Y. Irie, MD, PhD, an oncologist at Mount Sinai Hospital and associate professor of medicine and oncological sc...
EverydayHealth.com •

Understanding Your HR+/HER- Metastatic Breast Cancer Treatment

The cells in HR-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer have receptors for the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Because these hormones help fuel the growth of the tumor, your treatment plan will likely include endocrine therapy, which can suppress estrogen and progesterone levels in the body.Germline testing isn’t always widely available, so if it isn’t offered to you, Dr. Irie recommends talking to your oncologist and asking if the test is right for you.The genetic makeup of the cancer is just...
EverydayHealth.com •

Switching Medications: What to Do if Urticaria (Chronic Spontaneous Hives) Treatment Isn’t Working

It’s possible the medication is working, but symptoms are being retriggered by lifestyle habits, which include drinking alcohol, being exposed to heat, or taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, for example).On the other hand, if symptoms such as intense itching and swelling keep returning, it may mean the medication isn’t working as well as it used to for you. Either way, it’s a good idea to let your doctor know.

It’s possible the medication is working, but symptoms are being r...
GoodRx •

Acid Reflux Medicine: Antacids, H2 Blockers, Proton Pump Inhibitors - GoodRx

If you've ever felt a burning sensation in your chest after a big meal, you're not alone. More than 60 million Americans deal with heartburn at least once a month. That burning feeling is often a sign of acid reflux — when stomach acid sneaks back up into your esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth and stomach. When acid reflux becomes a regular problem, it may be a sign of something more serious, called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).The good news? There are several types of acid...
GoodRx •

What Are Sedatives? Examples, Uses, Types, and Side Effects - GoodRx

Sedatives are medications or substances that calm or slow down nerve and brain activity. You may have heard them referred to as central nervous system (CNS) depressants, tranquilizers, or downers. Hypnotics, antianxiety medications, and anxiolytics are also considered sedatives.Prescription sedatives are used to help people sleep, feel less anxious, or relax during a medical procedure — among other uses. Other medications, such as opioids, also have some sedating effects, but they aren’t used pr...
GoodRx •

Can You Take Viagra and Drink Alcohol? - GoodRx

If you have erectile dysfunction (ED), prescription medications such as Viagra (sildenafil) can help bring confidence back to your sex life. Viagra belongs to a group of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Other PDE5 inhibitors that treat ED include Cialis (tadalafil), Stendra (avanafil), and vardenafil (formerly known by the brand name Levitra).Before starting a PDE5 inhibitor, your prescriber may want to discuss whether you drink alcohol. That’s because combining Via...
GoodRx •

Blood Thinners for Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) - GoodRx

Our answer is in line with current guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association.Blood thinners for AFib treatment have been extensively studied. The available research supports this answer.Our answer is in line with current guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association.Still, there are some situations where warfarin is preferred. This includes people with mechanical valves or moderate to severe mitral valve stenosis.Common...
GoodRx •

Wellbutrin SR vs. Wellbutrin XL: How Are They Different? - GoodRx

Wellbutrin (bupropion) is a common medication prescribed to treat depression. In this article, we’ll focus on two long-acting versions: Wellbutrin sustained-release (SR) and Wellbutrin extended-release (XL). Keep in mind that these medications are not interchangeable. When comparing Wellbutrin SR versus XL, there are a few differences to consider. You’ll want to know how quickly they work, how long they last, and how often to take them. Here, we cover four differences between these two medicatio...
GoodRx •

Concerta (Methylphenidate ER) Dosage: Forms, Strength, Adjustments - GoodRx

Concerta (methylphenidate extended-release) is a first-choice medication for managing attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Whether you're starting Concerta for the first time, or transitioning from Ritalin (methylphenidate immediate-release), understanding your prescribed dosage is key to achieving the best results while lowering your risk of side effects.Here we’ll discuss typical Concerta dosages, the maximum dosages for adults and children, and what to do if you’ve missed a dose.Y...
GoodRx •

Prescription-Strength Tylenol: What to Know, Including Maximum Dosage - GoodRx

In any given week, over 60 million people in the U.S. take acetaminophen (Tylenol). You may hear it referred to by many names, including acetaminophen, APAP, and paracetamol. Tylenol is available over-the-counter (OTC) in tablet, liquid, and topical forms, among others. It’s also available as part of several OTC combination products, such as DayQuil (acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / phenylephrine). Tylenol is also combined with other medications — such as opioids — in prescription-only pills.M...
GoodRx •

Suboxone vs. Methadone: 6 Key Differences - GoodRx

It’s estimated that opioid use disorder (OUD) affects over 6 million Americans. And in 2022, opioids were involved in over 80,000 deaths due to drug overdose.Suboxone (buprenorphine / naloxone) and methadone (Methadose) are two medications used to treat OUD. They’re often used as part of a treatment method called medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), formerly known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT). This treatment method uses medication as the primary tool for treating OUD. In many cas...
GoodRx •

How Long Do Nicotine Patches Take to Work? Plus, When to Start Them and More - GoodRx

Nicotine patches (Nicoderm CQ, Habitrol) are a widely used form of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). By delivering a steady stream of nicotine through the skin, these patches help reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it easier to resist the urge to smoke.How long the nicotine patch takes to work is different for each person. You likely won’t feel the effects immediately. However, combining the patch with fast-acting NRT products (such as nicotine gum or lozenges, both known...
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