Shedding Light on the Risks
& Benefits of Medications 
After losing both her sister and niece to alcoholism, Suzanne Robotti reflects on mourning, medication, and the difficult work of living with loss
Jun 8, 2026
In medicine, “do your own research” sounds empowering, but too often, it becomes a shortcut to misinformation, fear, and false certainty
Apr 1, 2026
After prescription sprays didn’t help and an integrative doctor suggested diet and lifestyle changes, I started exploring what immune-boosting advice was worth following, and what wasn’t
Dec 31, 2025
After years of running a nonprofit news site that reports on drugs and side effects, I wanted a doctor who could help me prioritize safer, less invasive options
Dec 16, 2025
The FDA must pair the removal of the Black Box warning with clear, visible prescribing guidance. Without it, women are left unprotected
Nov 18, 2025
Peer review isn’t perfect, but it was designed to guard against government overreach, something Kennedy’s plan threatens to undo
Jun 13, 2025
How the DEA classifies these drugs based on medical value and misuse potential — and why some experts say the system needs a second look
May 8, 2025
In his book, Marty Makary makes a convincing case for challenging medical dogma. But will he be able to turn that vision into a reality at the FDA?
Apr 11, 2025
Despite promises to the contrary, recent actions by RFK Jr. and the new administration are stripping away public oversight concerning our nation’s healthcare
Mar 13, 2025
With key health agencies under new leadership, there are real, concrete ways to reform drug safety and accountability to protect all Americans.
Feb 25, 2025
An advisory committee unanimously decided that oral phenylephrine was ineffective a year ago. But Americans are still buying it
Nov 21, 2024
My first health and wellness conference at Eudemonia in Palm Beach, Florida, was full of great connections, interesting talks — and lots of supplements
Nov 15, 2024
When it comes to one key ingredient, the phrase 'too much of a good thing' may prove true
Oct 23, 2024
The FDA knows that hundreds of drugs were approved based on potentially fraudulent testing. So why are these medications still on the shelves?
Jul 23, 2024
Tired of promising yourself that, this year, you’ll really go to the gym? Or stop eating desserts? Or any of the other actions you should do or not do?
Jan 3, 2024
Q. A visitor to www.MedShadow.org asked: “I’ve used Retin-A daily as an anti-aging cream for 15 or more years. Is this safe?” A: Probably yes.
Dec 17, 2020
Abilify (aripiprazole) was developed to treat schizophrenia — but only 1% of Americans have schizophrenia. A few years later it was approved for use in bipolar disorders, which about 1.5% of all Americans have.
Oct 7, 2019
If you are 60+, stop taking these drugs now
Jul 17, 2019
Last week, we ran a news story on antibiotics causing “rare” damages to people. We had a very passionate response from more than 75 people who all claimed to be harmed by a particular type…
Apr 3, 2018
A few years ago, I wrote about my friend’s mother, an energetic 90-year-old who had suddenly started falling and was speaking of being done with life.
Sep 20, 2016