Updated November 2024<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When visiting an obstetrician\/gynecologist, a patient may be given prescriptions or recommendations for an array of products by her physician. The patient may be confused about whether a particular product is kosher. The following guide was prepared to help clarify the kashrus issues regarding these products.[1]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideally, one should purchase medicinal products and vitamins with a reliable kosher certification. Unfortunately, this is not always possible. In the event a product is not kosher approved, one should consult her rav<\/em>, as one does with any halachic question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following guidelines in this regard are the halachic ruling of Rav Moshe Heinemann shlit”a<\/em>, STAR-K Rabbinic Administrator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n NOTE: The following are general halachic guidelines and cannot possibly cover all scenarios. Under no circumstances should an individual forgo taking a prescribed medication without first consulting her physician and rav<\/em>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A choleh sheyeish bo sakana<\/em> may use any non-kosher medication if an equally effective kosher medicine is not readily available. Included in this category is someone whose life is currently not in danger but, if untreated, could develop a life threatening complication. This includes an elderly person who has the flu or an infant with a fever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additional examples include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n All instructions given by the doctor should be carefully followed, including taking the medication for the prescribed number of days, even though the symptoms may have subsided. This also applies to non-kosher medication that is flavored and tastes good. All of the above is equally applicable on Pesach to medication which contains chometz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This includes anyone who is bedridden, is noticeably not functioning up to par due to pain or illness, or has a fever which is not potentially life-threatening. A child under six years of age who has discomfort is also considered a choleh she’ein bo sakana<\/em>. This category also includes the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those listed above may take non-kosher medication shelo k’derech achila<\/em>, in an uncommon way of eating, if a kosher alternative is not readily available.[2]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Items which are designed to be swallowed without chewing (e.g., caplets, swallow tablets, and even gelatin capsules); poor tasting chewable tablets; and poor tasting liquids; all have a shelo k’derech achila<\/em> status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if someone has the flu, and the only fever reducer available is a non-kosher gelatin capsule, one may swallow the product. Similarly, one may swallow Celebrex in a gelatin capsule, or tablets containing chondroitin derived from non-kosher bovine trachea cartilage, for chronic debilitating arthritis pain. However, under normal circumstances one may not take non-kosher products if it requires eating in a normal manner (e.g., non-kosher chewable tablets which taste good).<\/p>\n\n\n\n One who suffers from menopausal symptoms (e.g., hot flashes) should consult a rav to determine whether she is in the category of choleh she\u2019ain bo sakana<\/em>. A pregnant woman often has the status of a choleh sh\u2019ain bo sakana<\/em>. For a further discussion, see below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both should make every effort to ensure that the product is either kosher certified or contains all kosher ingredients. If this is not possible, a rav <\/em>should be consulted since in some instances non-kosher products taken shelo k’derech achila<\/em> may be permissible.[3]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking non-kosher medication that requires eating in a normal manner (e.g. non-kosher chewable tablets that taste good) is not permissible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As indicated above, a pregnant woman whose life may be in danger or is in danger of having a miscarriage is a choleh sheyeish bo sakana<\/i>. A pregnant woman who is suffering from non-life threatening complications (e.g., lower back pain often occurring in the third trimester or nausea) is a choleh she’ein bo sakana<\/i> and may take any medication shelo k’derech achila<\/i>, in an uncommon manner, so that she feels better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, a pregnant woman with no known complications who is advised by her physician to take a specific medicine or vitamin for her benefit or for the benefit of the baby, even for preventive measures, may take a non-kosher product shelo k’derech achila<\/i> if an equally effective kosher variety is not available.[4]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25ba Prometrium<\/b> \u2013 which is currently only available in gelatin capsules, may be taken by a choleh she’ein bo sakana<\/i> or a choleh sheyeish bo sakana<\/i> (e.g., one who requires pregnancy support). <\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25ba Premarin<\/b> and Prempro<\/b> \u2013 which may contain non-kosher ingredients, may be taken even by a choleh she’ein bo sakana<\/i>. These products are commonly prescribed to middle-aged women as part of HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) to avoid development of osteoporosis,[5]<\/a> a condition which often occurs as women age.[6]<\/a> In such a case, with the advice of her physician, a woman may swallow a non-kosher capsule if an equally effective kosher substitute is not available.[7]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Almost all products listed on the OB\/GYN Approved Medications<\/a> list contain lactose, a dairy ingredient.[8]<\/a> These dairy products may not be taken for one hour after eating meat; however, since they are swallowed and not chewed, they may be taken after waiting only one hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One who has a meichush<\/i> on Shabbos <\/em>may not take medication or supplements to help alleviate the discomfort.[9]<\/a> However, someone classified as a choleh,<\/i> whether in danger or not, may take any medication necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A pregnant woman may take all necessary medications and vitamins on Shabbos. Someone who is a bahree<\/i>, in good health, and takes a product to change the normal function of the body (e.g., caffeine pills to avoid falling asleep), may also take this product on Shabbos. Many products listed on the OB\/GYN Approved Medications<\/a> list are in this category. These pills may be taken on Shabbos .<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information, please visit the OB\/GYN Approved Medications<\/a> page on our site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [1] The purpose of this article is to address the kosher status of OB\/GYN medications. In regard to the use of various products prescribed by an OB\/GYN, other halachic issues beyond the scope of this article may also apply. A rav <\/em>should be consulted to address these issues. Also, this article is in no way intended to advise consumers as to whether a specific product should be taken. Every patient is different. One should consult with her physician regarding the effectiveness and side effects of each product. A pregnant woman should discuss with her doctor whether a product is safe to take during pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [2] An exception to this rule is if the product is basar b\u2019cholov<\/em>, a heated milk and meat mixture. This is quite rare in medicinal products; however, if it does occur, a rav <\/em>should be consulted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [3] See Shach (Y.D<\/em>. 155:13) and an explanation of the Chochmas Adam<\/em> in Binas Adam<\/em> (Siman <\/em>52).<\/p>\n\n\n\n [4] The laws for this woman are similar to choleh she’ein bo sakana<\/em> as addressed above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [5] For a full discussion regarding osteoporosis and the kashrus status of arthritis remedies, see \u201cThe Kashrus Status of Glucosamine and Other Arthritis Remedies<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nCHOLEH SHEYEISH BO SAKANA<\/em>: ONE WHO IS ILL AND WHOSE LIFE MAY BE IN DANGER<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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CHOLEH SHE’EIN BO SAKANA<\/em>:<\/em> One Whose Life is not in Danger<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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MEICHUSH<\/em> and BAHREE<\/em>: ONE EXPERIENCING SLIGHT DISCOMFORT (MEICHUSH<\/em>) SUCH AS MINOR JOINT PAINS OR A RUNNY NOSE and ONE WHO IS HEALTHY (BAHREE<\/em>) AND TAKES VITAMINS\/SUPPLEMENTS TO MAINTAIN GOOD HEALTH<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
OTHER ISSUES AND CONCERNS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>During Pregnancy<\/b> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Non-Kosher Items (Examples)<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dairy<\/b> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Shabbos<\/b> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n