Halocho #1446 - Must medicine be Kosher?

In order to save a life, one must take medicine even if it's not Kosher. One must also transgress any other Mitzva needed to save one's life, with the exception of murder, adultery and idolatry.

In non-life threatening situations:

- One should not take non-Kosher medicine, if there's a Kosher alternative readily available.

- If only non-Kosher medicine is available, it may be used. However, if it has a pleasant taste, then one should spoil its taste, for example by adding something bitter to it, or wrapping it in tissue paper.

- If the medicine is a mixture of meat and milk, a Rabbi should be consulted, since normally meat and milk mixtures cannot be used as medicine. The same applies to Kil'ay Hakerem; grains and grapes that grew in close proximity.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 192:5, 6, 7

- Danny
Tuesday, 4 Marchesvan 5775

Please daven for 3 year old נָעֳמִי בַּת דִינָה who is being treated for lymphoma