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Common medicines that may contain animal products
Some medicines contain ingredients derived from animals, usually pigs or cattle. These include:
- heparin type medicines to prevent or treat blood clots
- animal (pigs or cattle) insulins
- pancreatic enzyme supplements
- treatments to help the lungs of pre term babies develop
- gelatine capsules
- epoetins (EPOs) which are injections to treat low red blood cells
- MMR vax PRO (a type of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine).
Some medicines contain animal derived products which are not active ingredients, but are needed in their manufacture. These include:
- lactose (from cow’s milk)
- shellac (from insects)
- stearic acid (sometimes sourced from animals).
How to find out what your medicine contains
You can read the patient information leaflet which came with your medicine.
If you need further information, you can speak to your nurse, doctor or midwife. They can arrange for you to discuss the medicine with a pharmacist.
Alternatives to these medicines
| Medicine | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Heparin type medicines |
In some cases, you can have a heparin treatment that does not come from pigs. In other cases, there may be an alternative, but it may not be as effective, or might have particular side effects. There may be occasions where there is no alternative to heparin treatment. |
| Insulin | Human insulin is available and most people are treated with this. If you are on animal insulin and want to change to human insulin, the dose may need to change, and you may need to check your blood sugar more often. |
| Pancreas medicines | There are no alternative treatments. |
| MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) | A vaccine that does not have ingredients obtained from pigs is available. Ask your doctor about this option. |
| Epoetins (EPOs) | All epoetins are derived from hamster cells. There are no equivalent alternative treatments. |
More information
For further advice, call the Kingston Hospital Medicines Helpline, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, on 020 8934 2092
For multicultural support for people of all faiths and life philosophies, call the Kingston Hospital Duty Chaplain. Available 24 hours, 7 days a week, via the hospital switchboard on 020 8546 7711
Contact information
Kingston Hospital Medicines Helpline, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Telephone: