Are medications vegan? That’s how you recognize it

It is usually not possible to tell at first glance whether a drug is vegan. We explain what you can look out for and give examples of ingredients in medicines that are not vegan.

as Vegan:in you do not want to consume any substances of animal origin. Of course, this also applies to medicines. Unfortunately, not all drugs vegan and it is usually not clearly stated whether they are. The package leaflet does not necessarily help, because there are some substances in medicines that can be vegan or of animal origin.

In this article you will learn what to look out for when looking for a vegan version of a medication. We also list some ingredients of animal origin that the pharmaceutical industry often uses in medicines.

Another aspect that basically does not make every drug vegan are the animal testing as part of the approval of a drug. If you need a specific medication, then you should take it when in doubt, even if it’s not vegan.

Active ingredients in medicines are often not vegan

Whether a drug is vegan can already be decided by the active ingredient. Some are derived from or produced by animal parts.

• heparinan anticoagulant, is obtained by the pharmaceutical industry from pig intestines.
• If you have diseases of the pancreas, you may need digestive enzymes. Some of these come from animals.
• If you’re going through menopause, you can Mixtures of estrogens help against ailments. They come from the urine of pregnant mares.
• For the production of some vaccinesfor example against influenza, chicken embryos are used.
• Omega-3 fatty acids come from fish oil. You can now find vegan alternatives made from algae.
• The same applies to Vitamin D3. Classically, this is obtained from sheep’s wool, more precisely the fat. But there are also vegan medicines with this vitamin.

Excipients in the drug: vegan or not?

Vegans can Vitamin B12 take as a preparation to prevent deficiency states. Vitamin B12 is vegan in itself because it is formed by intestinal bacteria. However, not all of the drug may still be vegan.

• It can be lactose, so milk sugar, contain. In tablets, lactose serves as a filler.
• Tablets or capsules can come with gelatin coated, which is obtained from the skins and bones of animals. You can find out whether your medicine is not vegan because of gelatine by looking at the package insert, because it must be stated there.
• stearates, for example magnesium stearates, are fillers or binders. They can be vegan, but also come from animals. Unfortunately you cannot see that.
• creams can beeswax contain.
• Also with creams you can sometimes see the ingredient lanolin Find. This is the fat from sheep’s wool.
• Some tablets are included shellac overdrawn. This is based on scale insect excretions.
• If your medicine is red, it could be the dye made from lice Carmine contain.

As you can see, it’s not easy to tell if a drug is vegan. Especially with vitamin supplements you can often get a vegan version. It is best to find out more from the package insert or ask at the pharmacy. You will also find a detailed list of non-vegan ingredients in medicines in the German Apotheker Zeitung.

Read more on Techzle.com:

• Dispose of medicines: residual waste, collection point or pharmacy?
• Vegan food pyramid: How to eat healthy
• How to recognize cosmetics without animal testing