Medicines derived from animal products

Medicines derived from animal products

Which Medicines Contain Animal Products?
Numerous medicines contain ingredients derived from animals, usually pigs or cows.

These include:

• Heparin type medicines to prevent or treat blood clots
• Some Insulins
• Pancreatic enzyme supplements
• Some vaccines (MMR and nasal influenza)
• Some vitamin D preparations
• Treatments to help the lungs of pre-term babies develop
• Parenteral nutrition (intravenous feeding)
• Gelatin capsules
• Inactive ingredients in medicines

This may have implications for some patients e.g. Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus,
Sikhs, vegetarians and vegans.

My Beliefs Do Not Allow Me to Take Medicines That Come From Animals
We understand you may have concerns in accepting treatment with one of these
products.

For example:
One of the principles of Islamic law states that, ‘‘Necessities overrule prohibitions’’. As
a general rule Muslims are not allowed any form of pork but when there is no suitable
alternative and there is a risk of health deterioration Islamic law does allow medicines
derived from pigs.

The Muslim Council of Britain encourages Muslim patients who wish to discuss this
matter to seek advice from their local Muslim chaplain (imam).

Pork is strictly forbidden in the diet in Judaism but food and medicines not taken orally
are not considered ‘eating’. Thus there are no restrictions regarding injections. In the ill
patient, porcine derived oral medication is allowed if it’s not considered ‘edible’. When
in doubt consult a rabbi.

Vegetarians and vegans are likely to have concerns about animal – derived medicines.

You may wish to discuss this with your doctor, pharmacist or your religious leader if
appropriate.

Are There Any Alternatives?
In some cases, other medicines are available but these may not be as effective, or may
not be suitable for you, or may have more side effects.

In other cases, there aren’t any alternatives.

What Are The Alternatives?

Heparin type medicines:
In some cases, you can have a treatment that does not come from pigs. In other
cases, there may be an alternative but it may not be suitable for you, or as effective,
or it may have more side effects.

In other situations, there is no alternative. Discuss with your doctor, nurse or
midwife.

Insulin:
Most people are treated with human insulin. If you change from animal insulin the
dose may need to change and you may need to check your blood sugar more often.

Medicines to treat diseases of the pancreas:
There are no alternative treatments.

Vaccines (Measles, Mumps and Rubella and nasal influenza):
Vaccines which does not come from pigs is available. Ask your GP or doctor for
this option.

Treatments to help the lungs of pre-term babies develop:
There are only two drugs available. One comes from pigs and the other from cows.

Vitamin D preparations
Ask the pharmacist if a preparation that is suitable for vegetarians or vegans is
available.

Parenteral nutrition (intravenous feeding)
There may be no alternative, discuss with your doctor or pharmacist

Gelatin capsules:
Ask the pharmacist if there is a different form of your medicine such as syrup. If not,
we may be able to give you similar medicine with the same effects.

Inactive ingredients
Ask the pharmacist if there is a different form of the medicine that does not contain
animal derived inactive ingredients.

Where Can I Find Out More Information?
If you are concerned about having any of these treatments, please speak to your nurse,
midwife, supervisor of midwives or doctor who can arrange for you to discuss this with
a pharmacist or religious leader.

If your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are concerned about anything,
please call your GP, 111, or 999.

Patient Experience
We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you
and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a
member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to
answer your questions and reassure you.

Feedback
Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well
and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your
experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are
available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We
value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with
us.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf,
if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to
outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate
your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can
advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:
Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: wah-tr.PALS@nhs.net

Opening times:
The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please
be aware that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your
call within one working day.

If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.

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