Locations
The Pharmacists Clinic
San Diego , CA
About
Bio
Dr. Sally Rafie, PharmD, BCPS graduated from the University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy and is a Board-Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist. She has trained and worked with Planned Parenthood, University of California San Diego Medical Center, University of California San Francisco, and San Francisco General Hospital. Dr. Rafie is a licensed pharmacist in California. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Health Sciences at the University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences where she teaches and trains pharmacy students about emergency contraception and youth-friendly pharmacy services. Dr. Rafie has a long record of research and advocacy in the field of reproductive health and has published in peer-reviewed medical journals.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Pharmacology
Languages spoken
Persian
Doctor Q&A
57 Answers
21 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Still effective : Skipping the placebo pills does not affect the effectiveness of your birth control pills. It's safe to skip the placebo pills.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Yes: IUDs can be used by most women, including those who have never been pregnant
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Yes very effective: The birth control implant is called Nexplanon. It is VERY effective at preventing pregnancy. As good as getting your tubes tied while the implant is... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
829 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Ask your doctor!: Ask your doctor or provider to write the prescription and indicate "continuous use; skip placebo pills" so the pharmacy can process accordingly and gi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Exercise: Will give you energy!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Couple options: Yaz, Yasmin, or equivalent generics are great for acne. There are other options: https://pharmacistsclinic.com/2016/02/08/ask-dr-sally-will-birth-con... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
827 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Call pharmacy first: Call the pharmacy first. If they don't address your concerns, you can contact your state board of pharmacy.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Question?: Your question is not clear. Women of your age can take calcium supplements to meet the daily recommendation. Take a 500 mg tablet with each of two m... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A male asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
When to take test: If she did not vomit within 2-3 hours of taking emergency contraception, then the medication had a chance to work. If her period came more than a wee... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Unlikely: Less than 1% of women with an IUD become pregnant in the first year of use. They are. One of the most effective methods of birth control.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Generic: The pharmacy probably gave you another generic product of the same medication. It's normal to have clear or reddish/brownish discharge at the end of ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Drowsy from Vicodin: You may be feeling drowsy and dizzy from the Vicodin. Just rest while you're on it. Do not drive.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Use protection: The morning after pill only helps protects you from become pregnant from unprotected sex in the prior 5 days. Use protection for sex after taking the... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Yes: It's safe in the sense that it won't hurt him but it may not be as effective since the medication potency cannot be guaranteed after the expiration da... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Great method: Mirena (levonorgestrel) is a highly effective method of birth control, so good choice. Once it is placed, you don't have to think about birth control... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
No: Probably not. Sometimes the consistency of your period may change or color may vary from brighter red to brown
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Yes: These two medications do not interact so your birth control will continue to work.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Probably not: The copper IUD works locally in the uterus so there should be no interactions with this root you are eating, but I'm not familiar with it.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Possible: When starting combination birth control pills, you need to abstain or use back up for 7 days until your birth control becomes effective.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Yes safe: Yes this product won't interfere with your birth control. If you think you have an infection, please go see your doctor or clinic.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Prevents ovulation: Both morning after pills (Plan B and generics, as well as Ella) work by preventing your body from releasing an egg. Ovulation can be delayed by sever... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
No, go get Plan B: Sprintec cannot be used for emergency contraception. Plan B One Step and generic versions are available over the counter. Your health care provider ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
You're protected: As long as you take it within 3 hours...same time is best but don't worry if you're only one hour off. Keep up the good work taking it on time!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
No drug interaction : Between cipro (ciprofloxacin) and Depo. The infection could be stressing your body and disrupting your normal cycle. Finish your antibiotic course.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Question?: Why do you want to switch from Yasmin (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol)? Continue taking your pill to prevent pregnancy until you can meet with you... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Ignore: Your body can only absorb up to 500 or 600 mg of calcium at once, so spread out calcium pills.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
No: The Paragard IUD can act as emergency contraception if inserted within 5 days of unprotected intercourse. It is a very effective form of contraceptio... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 63-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Drug name: Means monohydrate macrocrystals. Technical information about the drug.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Yes: When starting on the Depo shot, you need to use another form of protection for 7 days after the first shot. Of you don't, you could get pregnant. Of... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Get EC: If you don't want to become pregnant, get some emergency contraception (EC) from the pharmacy, drugstore, or grocery store. You can take it up to 5 d... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
No BC if Trying: If you're trying to get pregnant, then you don't want to use brith control. Birth control prevents pregnancy. If no luck after 12 months, make an ap... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
No: There is no interaction between these two medications, so your birth control will continue to work if taken correctly.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
It might: She took it right away which is a good thing. It's possible that it may not work given her weight. She can ask her doctor for a prescription for ano... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
IUDs and implant: Are the most effective methods that are also reversible. Sterilization is very effective and permanent.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Yes will reduce risk: Emergency contraception pills will reduce your risk of pregnancy if taken within 5 days of unprotected sex. But they work better the sooner you take.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Antibiotic: Used for many purposes, mainly preventing or treating an infection
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Probably not: Most antibiotics don't interact with birth control pills. Rifampin and rid ablution do interact and require use of a back up method to prevent pregna... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Try taking at night: Try taking your pill everyday at night or before you go to bed. This way hopefully the nausea will wear off by the time you wake up. There are other... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Get EC!: Get yourself some emergency contraception right away if you've had unprotected sex in the last 5 days. It may be too soon to detect a pregnancy if yo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Yes: The pill should have been absorbed by 2-3 hours, so you should be protected.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
No need for pill: If you have a contraceptive implant in your arm, that is highly effective for 3 years. You should not take birth control pills in addition.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 16-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Maybe: Trinessa (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol) and all combination birth control pills can cause some nausea. You can take your dose in the evenings s... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Yes but careful: May cause extra drowsiness so be careful and don't drive
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Yes: You can have your Mirena (levonorgestrel) removed by a trained healthcare professional anytime. For example, you may be ready to try to get pregnant.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Ok together: These two medications do not interact so your birth control will continue to work if you take it at same time as usual.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Ignore: 9% of women will get pregnant in the first year of using birth control pills.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 61-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Coreg (carvedilol): Is used for heart failure or high blood pressure.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
Some: Some types of birth control, like the pill, can help reduce or suppress menstrual cramps.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sally Rafieanswered
Pharmacology 15 years experience
EC up to 5 days : I believe you are asking how much time you have after an act of unprotected intercourse to take emergency contraception? You have up to 5 days. But i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
2
Recommendations
63
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Rafie is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Rafie is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! So i can continue taking Biotin?
HealthTap member
Thankyou (: it helped alot i really want to have a baby (:
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful!
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
UC San Francisco School of Medicine, CA
Graduated 2008MD
Residency
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN DIEGO MEDICAL CENTER
Completed 2009
Awards
Top Pharmacologist, First Place, National - Summer
2014
Top Pharmacologist, First Place, California - Spring
2017
Top Pharmacologist, Third Place, the Nation - Spring
2017
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