Chronic Pain, Drug Safety
What I Wish More People Knew About ‘Safe’ Over-the-Counter Headache Medications
OTC painkillers are widely seen as safe. But frequent, unsupervised use can sometimes make chronic pain harder to treat
Jan 22, 2026Menu
Shedding Light on the Risks
& Benefits of Medications
Shedding Light on the Risks
& Benefits of Medications 
Noor F. Shaik, MD, PhD
Noor F. Shaik, M.D., Ph.D., is a neurology resident physician in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She has published academic research and patient-facing articles on the prevention of and recovery after neurologic injuries. The opinions expressed in her articles do not necessarily represent those of the University of Pennsylvania Health System or the Perelman School of Medicine.
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We think it’s invaluable — and hope you agree. Our journalism is made possible by donations from readers like you.
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