Pharmacy - Group wide
Why have I been given this leaflet?
Some medicines are made using animal products or contain small amounts of alcohol. Some people may prefer not to use these medicines for religious, cultural, dietary or personal reasons. This leaflet helps you understand why this matters and what you can do.
What animal products may be used in medicines?
Some medicines use products from animals such as pigs, cows, fish, insects, or milk. These products may be part of the medicine or used during how the medicine is made. Examples include medicines used for blood clots, diabetes, digestion, some vaccines, low blood counts, and capsules made with gelatin.
What about alcohol?
Some medicines contain small amounts of alcohol. This is not made from animals. Some people prefer to avoid alcohol for personal or religious reasons.
Do I have a choice?
Sometimes there may be another medicine you can use. However, the alternative may not work as well, may cause more side effects, or there may not be another option. Your healthcare team will always consider your health and safety first. No one will make you take a medicine you do not want to, but they will explain what might happen if you choose not to take it.
What should I do if I am concerned?
Please talk to a member of your healthcare team, such as your doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or midwife. They can check what your medicine contains and discuss whether another option is suitable. Do not stop taking your medicines unless a healthcare professional tells you to.
Important information
Some medicines are needed to protect your health. In urgent or serious illness, treatment may be essential. Your healthcare team will always act in your best interests.
Where can I get more information?
You can read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine, especially the section called “What is in this medicine?”. You can also speak to your pharmacist or doctor for information which meets your personal situation.
Need this leaflet in a different format?
We can provide this information in large print, Easy Read, audio, Braille, or other languages. Please ask a member of staff.
Feedback
Your feedback is important to us and helps us influence care in the future.
Following your discharge from hospital or attendance at your outpatient appointment you will receive a text asking if you would recommend our service to others. Please take the time to text back, you will not be charged for the text and can opt out at any point. Your co-operation is greatly appreciated.
Further information
You may wish to seek advice from your faith group, a religious advisor, or relevant organisations about medicines containing animal products or alcohol. Support is available from organisations such as the Muslim Council of Britain, Board of Deputies of British Jews, Sikh Healthcare Chaplaincy, Hindu community organisations, as well as groups supporting vegetarian or vegan lifestyles such as The Vegan Society. Hospital chaplaincy services are also available to provide support for all faiths and beliefs.
UHLG Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
Tel: 0151 706 4906
Text phone number: 18001 0151 706 4906
Website: https://www.liverpoolft.nhs.uk/patients/patient-advice-and-liaison-service-pals
Aintree University Hospital – 0151 525 5980
Broadgreen Hospital – 0151 706 2000
Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital – 0151 600 1616
Liverpool University Dental Hospital – 0151 706 2000
Royal Liverpool University Hospital – 0151 706 2000.
Liverpool Women's University Hospital – 0151 708 9988
Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust – 0151 556 3000
Author: Pharmacy - Medicines Governance Team University Hospital Liverpool Group and The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust
Review Date: July 2029
PI 3258 V1