With @Pharmomacist: Decoding the OTC Medicine Aisle

This week, Dr. Fran sits down with clinical pharmacist Dr. Melissa, PharmD (@Pharmomacist), whose online platform tackles postpartum mental health, vaccine data, over-the-counter medications, and skincare.

Dr. Melissa walks through her path into ambulatory care pharmacy, including her work in cardiology and a pharmacist-run clinic focused on high-risk patients — and explains why pharmacists often spend as much time removing medications from a regimen as adding them.

The conversation digs into the chaos of the children's medicine aisle, why "natural" and "homeopathic" labels on over-the-counter products don't mean regulated or evidence-based, and how something as simple as choosing Tylenol versus Motrin for a teething baby actually comes down to the science of inflammation.

Dr. Mack also opens up about sharing her own postpartum SSRI use online, her decision to get Botox while breastfeeding (and what the actual research says about medications and breast milk), and why she felt compelled to respond to a viral video about vaccine refusals — even knowing the backlash it would bring. She and Dr. Fran talk candidly about misinformation, the responsibility that comes with influence, the importance of having these conversations with your provider before delivery day, and why taking care of yourself postpartum isn't selfish — it's part of being a good parent.

Dr. Melissa's social media: @Pharmomacist

Dr. Fran's social media: @PagingDrFran