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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 •

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...
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 •

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 •

The Best Nicotine Replacement Therapy Products - GoodRx

Quitting smoking is no easy task. Both the habit and physical nicotine addiction can be hard to overcome. But quitting smoking has major benefits for your health. It can help your heart and lungs recover, lower your risk of some cancers, and boost your immune system.If you’re interested in quitting, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can help. In fact, it's one of the most effective methods to stop smoking. There are multiple NRT products to choose from, and it’s usually best to use more than on...
GoodRx •

Fosamax vs. Prolia vs. Boniva: Which Is Better for You? - GoodRx

Osteoporosis is a condition that happens when your bones become less dense and weaker, which puts you at a greater risk of fractures. Medications are often recommended for men and postmenopausal women diagnosed with osteoporosis. This is because research shows that they reduce fracture risk compared to not using medications at all.Three common medications that treat osteoporosis are Fosamax (alendronate), Boniva (ibandronate), and Prolia (denosumab). And while there are several other medications...
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,...
GoodRx •

9 Medications That Can Cause Joint and Muscle Pain - GoodRx

Muscle pain and weakness, joint pain, and other musculoskeletal complaints are among the most common health issues. Long-lasting muscle and joint pain may be due to chronic health conditions. But short-term soreness and pain can happen for many reasons, including recent injuries or overusing your muscles (such as during strenuous exercise). Another possible cause is the medications you take. Below, we’ll cover nine medications that can cause muscle pain and weakness or joint pain.Statins are a g...
GoodRx •

How the U.S. Is Making Narcan More Accessible - GoodRx

Naloxone, commonly known by its brand name Narcan, is a fast-acting medication that can reverse the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose. To put it simply, easier access to Narcan saves lives. But only if it’s available when you need it.In 2021, over 100,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the U.S. This is the highest number ever recorded. And over 80% of these deaths involved opioids. The use of synthetic opioids in particular, like fentanyl, is the major reason for this spike in dea...

My Latest Work

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...
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 •

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...
GoodRx •

Abrysvo vs. Beyfortus: Comparing Single-Dose RSV Treatments - GoodRx

Babies are particularly vulnerable to severe illness from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, so providing protection is important. There are two ways to do this: you can receive Abrysvo, an RSV vaccine, during pregnancy, or your baby can receive Beyfortus (nirsevimab-alip), a monoclonal antibody injection, after they’re born.Abrysvo and Beyfortus typically aren’t used together, with a few exceptions. But when comparing Abrysvo versus Beyfortus, is one more effective than the other? And...
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 •

Nicotine Patch Dosage Guide - GoodRx

Quitting smoking can be hard to do, but medications can increase your chance of success. The nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ, Habitrol) is part of a drug class called nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Using a combination of NRT products, such as the patch combined with nicotine gum or lozenges (Nicorette), is one of the most effective ways to quit smoking.If you’re using NRT, it’s a good idea to work with a healthcare professional to find the right dosage. In this article, we’ll focus on nicotine...
GoodRx •

7 Metformin Side Effect and the Risks of Long Term Use - GoodRx

Many people with Type 2 diabetes take metformin to manage their blood glucose (sugar). It’s also sometimes prescribed off-label for prediabetes. When taken as prescribed, the benefits of metformin often outweigh its risks for most people. While some metformin side effects can be a hassle — especially when you first start taking it — they often improve over time. But what about long-term metformin risks? We’ll cover it all below.Metformin side effects are typically mild. Examples include:Potentia...
GoodRx •

Which OTC Pain Relief Patches Were Recalled? Here’s The Latest - GoodRx

In November 2024, the FDA issued a drug recall affecting 15 million medicated pain patches. The recalled patches are used for pain relief and are sold over the counter (OTC). They contain ingredients such as lidocaine, camphor, and menthol — among others.A drug recall is when a medication product is removed from the market. There can be several reasons for a drug recall, including contamination with potentially harmful chemicals, misleading information on the medication label, or a mechanical is...
GoodRx •

Differin Gel Approved for OTC Use - GoodRx

Acne is an annoying and sometimes painful skin condition that affects people of all ages. It happens when the pores (tiny openings) of your skin get clogged. This results in acne spots like whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples.Fortunately, there are many treatment options for acne, including medications you can find over the counter (OTC). Adapalene (Differin, Differin OTC) is one of these options. Differin products come in two different doses — 0.1% and 0.3%. The 0.1% gel is available as Differi...
GoodRx •

Fosamax (Alendronate) Dosage Guide: Forms, Adjustments, and More - GoodRx

Fosamax (alendronate) is a medication that’s prescribed to prevent and treat osteoporosis, along with other bone-related health conditions. Fosamax is classified as a bisphosphonate medication. Bisphosphate medications work by limiting the breakdown of bones.Fosamax comes as tablets with vitamin D (Fosamax Plus D) and without, and as an oral solution. The oral solution comes in single-use bottles that contain 1 dose. Alendronate also comes as effervescent tablets (Binosto), which are dissolvable...
GoodRx •

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment? - GoodRx

Medications can be a useful tool in treating substance use disorders. In fact, medication-assisted treatment, called MAT, is recommended for treating alcohol use disorder (AUD) and tobacco use disorder. MAT combines therapy and medications to treat substance use disorders. This treatment method is also used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). But it’s called MOUD, or medication for opioid use disorder.Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know about MOUD and MAT.MAT combines medications and t...
GoodRx •

Which ARB Medication Should You Take? - GoodRx

One of the best medications for treating high blood pressure (hypertension) is losartan (Cozaar). Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). ARBs effectively lower blood pressure and can often be taken once a day. And they’re usually available as affordable generics.But losartan isn’t the only ARB medication available on the market. Several others exist and may be a good treatment option for you, depending on your individual situation. Here, we’ll compare losartan to three other commo...
GoodRx •

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: Symptoms and Timeline - GoodRx

Benzodiazepines (commonly known as benzos) can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions. These include anxiety and panic disorders. But in many cases, experts recommend limiting benzo use to a few weeks. This is partly because long-term benzo use has been associated with negative effects, like withdrawal, addiction, and problems with memory.If you’re prescribed a benzodiazepine, it’s important to know what benzo withdrawal symptoms look like. It’s also important to know the benzo withdra...
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