I started MedShadow Foundation in 2013 because of the life-altering impact of a medicine - DES (diethylstilbestrol)- that was given to my mother when she was pregnant with me. At age 13, I learned that I would not ever be able to get pregnant because of the side effects of DES. Although the FDA told doctors to stop prescribing DES to pregnant women in 1971, but between five and 10 million pregnant women had already been given it. The drug's long term effects on DES daughters/sons, grandchildren and future generations - rare cancers, reproductive issues, autoimmune disorders, anxiety and depression - have been studied but often unknown.While I’ll take medicine when I need to, but because of DES, I’m extra cautious. Instead, I pay close attention to eating whole foods and exercising regularly so that my immune system and my body are healthy. Not taking any drugs (when possible) is the best way to avoid harmful side effects.Because of my work with MedShadow, I’ve learned a lot about how the FDA approves drugs. In 2017 I applied to and was appointed to the FDA Advisory Committee on Drug Safety and Risk Management. I joined a panel of doctors and pharmacists as the lone consumer representative. I’m so gratified to have a seat at the table when the FDA is deciding if a drug is safe and effective enough to approve.
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