Vegetarian Capsule Options for Common Heart Medications

I was recently reviewing a patient's chart who had been prescribed Lisinopril for his hypertension. He is a devout brother who had been avoiding his medication for three weeks because he saw "gelatin" on the bottle and assumed it was porcine. This is a common, and dangerous, situation in our community. Heart health doesn't wait for a religious consultation.

If you are worried about animal products in your cardiac care, let's talk about how to find vegetarian-friendly alternatives that keep your heart—and your conscience—healthy.

The Gelatin Dilemma

Most pharmaceutical capsules are made from bovine (cow) or porcine (pig) gelatin. It is cheap and effective for protecting the drug. But for many, it is a deal-breaker. According to medical ethics research, patients who have religious restrictions often have lower adherence to their life-saving meds because of this single ingredient.

Finding the "Veggie Cap"

The good news is that "veggie caps" are becoming more common. These are made from HPMC (Hypromellose), a plant-derived material. Many major brands of blood pressure and cholesterol meds now offer HPMC versions or solid tablets.

A solid tablet is almost always gelatin-free. If your doctor prescribes a capsule, simply ask: "Is there a tablet form of this dosage?" Nine times out of ten, the answer is yes.

Taking Control of Your Prescription

You have the right to request Halal-friendly versions of your medicine. Don't feel like you are being "difficult" with your pharmacist.

The problem is that specialized or brand-name HPMC capsules can sometimes be more expensive than the "default" generic gelatin ones. We don't believe your faith should cost you an extra $200 a month. That’s why our advocacy program helps you get these high-quality, religiously compliant medications for a flat $40 a month.

Get your heart health meds for $40/mo. Check your eligibility now.