Shedding Light on the Risks
& Benefits of Medications At MedShadow, we believe it’s invaluable. And that it should never be locked behind a paywall or funded by ads. We don’t take a dime from pharmaceutical companies, so you’re always our only priority. That independence is possible only with your support.
Awareness: Medications can be life-extending — even lifesaving — as well as relieve condition-related pain, and improve optimal functionality. But all medicines have side effects, and we know that oversight is far from perfect. That’s why we help you understand side effects, how to track them, and how to advocate for yourself.
Education: Explore ways to evaluate the medications you take as you age, switch brands, receive a new diagnosis and more. Learn about integrative medicine approaches and healthier lifestyle choices.
Inspiration: Hear and see the stories of people affected by side effects, and gain insights from unbiased professionals to help you make more informed, meaningful health choices.
of Americans take prescription drugs
(27% of those take 4 or more)
of Americans take supplements
(55% say they are “regular” users)
of people in the U.S. use nonprescription medicines
to treat cold, cough, and flu symptoms
of all drug recalls (2012–2023)
were due to sterility issues
In conjunction with our reporting, MedShadow seeks to stimulate public discussion that will achieve greater drug safety overall, more transparency in drug labeling, increased testing of medications, and other policies that protect patients over profits.
A landmark review of 37 studies across 12 countries, including in the U.S., found that drug side effects went unreported 94% of the time. Your report could be the one that triggers the next investigation, protecting the next patient from preventable harm.
Across the country, pharmacies are disappearing fast. Since 2010, nearly one in three U.S. pharmacies has closed. Millions of people depend on pharmacists to bridge gaps in healthcare access. This makes the rapid rate of pharmacy closures and widespread burnout so alarming.
Here’s an alarming fact: More than 2,000 pharmaceutical plants (both overseas and in the U.S.) have not been inspected by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in five years or more. This represents 42% of all 4,700 plants currently registered to produce drugs for the U.S., including medications such as antibiotics, blood thinners and cancer treatments*.
Whenever Virginia resident Marilynn Monroe refills her ADHD medication, she feels like she’s “playing Russian Roulette.” Why? Because she’s never certain which version of her medication she’ll receive – and what kinds of undesired side effects she’ll have as a result.
“MedShadow’s work is supported entirely by individual donors, which allows us to be free from commercial pressure or industry interference.”
“MedShadow does what other health and medicine websites fail to do–prioritize informed decision-making about health issues over making a quick buck. I know I can trust their information since they don’t get pharmaceutical funding. As someone who suffers from Crohn’s disease, I’m grateful that Medshadow can stay independent and focus on the people. Thank you!”
“I am grateful for MedShadow Foundation as they have kept me informed with their thorough articles about medications. MedShadow is now my go-to now for information in regards to my medication and health. Thank you Medshadow for looking out for us.”
“I am a patient advocate who has written two well-respected books about the healthcare system. I consider the MedShadow Foundation to be one of my best resources for unbiased, accurate, thought-provoking information about the medical system. I am grateful to MedShadow every day.”
“As an immune-compromised patient, I was feeling pretty much alone, frustrated and isolated as my doctors were not sufficiently answering my repeated questions. MedShadow Foundation gave me an anchor. I gained more enlightenment by reading about the journey of others, and felt like I was part of a community. I also feel that my experience may have been instrumental in helping someone else. Thank you!!!”
“I don’t think there is another organization like Medshadow. Their very high-quality shadowing of pharmaceuticals provides a valuable service to consumers and healthcare professionals. Their quality work reporting on science and medicine side effects is first rate, highly professional and very sound. With the FDA insufficiently staffed and funded to do the work they are charged with, Medshadow provides a very important service.”
“Every time I need support, their team is right there with timely, accurate and impartial information. Their webinars are outstanding and very relevant. I consider it a privilege to support their work in some small way.”
“I appreciate the variety of topics and often, particular topics are ones that I or friends or family members are dealing with. The one that grabbed me most recently was about generic drugs. 92% of the drugs we take are generic and they have less oversight than car manufacturing?! I listened to their webinar for that one. I forward many of the materials from MedShadow. I’m so glad there IS a Medshadow in these days of foolish, and perhaps malicious, cutbacks on the safety issues of late.”
“MedShadow is one of the few organizations taking patient concerns seriously. Their commitment to investigating medication safety and policy issues is refreshing and important. I’m grateful for the work they do.”
“I am retired but used to work in the pharmaceutical industry. The people who work at the FDA are professionals who work very hard to make sure that drugs are safe and effective, but they have always been understaffed. They cannot possibly keep everyone informed about every new and generic drug. MedShadow does a terrific job of listening to patients and filling in the gaps when needed. Keep up the good work!”
“I appreciate the research and unbiased reporting that sorts out the facts from the reporting agendas of most news streams.”
