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>From today's OU Kosher Halacha Yomis</div>
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<p><strong><strong>Q. Many medications are encased in gelatin capsules. May these be used?</strong></strong></p>
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<p>A. Rabbi Belsky <em>zt”l</em> would differentiate between two types of gelatin capsules: hard capsules and soft capsules. Regarding medicines that are encased in hard gelatin capsules (such as capsules that are commonly used for antibiotics), Rav Belsky
said that the minhag is to permit them for a <em>choleh</em> (one who is ill). This is based on the concept that a
<em>choleh</em> is permitted to consume non-kosher medicines, provided that one does so
<em>shelo k’derech achilaso</em> – in an uncommon manner of consumption. Since it is uncommon to eat dried-out, plastic-like gelatin capsules, one who is ill is permitted to swallow them. It should be noted that this leniency applies only if a kosher alternative
is not available. Thus, as an example, one should not swallow Tylenol capsules since Tylenol tablets are readily available.</p>
<p>However, Rav Belsky felt that soft gelatin capsules, which are often used for vitamins, fish oils and some over the counter medications, should not be used. Because the gelatin is soft and pliable, Rav Belsky was concerned that swallowing gelatin in this
form might not be considered an uncommon manner of consumption. Additionally, these soft capsules are often made from pigskin gelatin and are kept soft and pliable with large amounts of glycerin. If one has no other alternative, Rav Belsky recommended wrapping
a soft gelatin capsule in tissue paper, which is an unusual manner of consumption. However, Rav Schachter said that there is no difference between soft or hard gelatin. Even regarding soft gelatin capsules, it is abnormal to swallow gelatin when it is in this
form. Accordingly, for medical reasons, it may be swallowed without wrapping in paper.</p>
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