How to Check if Medicine is Veg or Non-Veg?

January 3, 2026 •

4 min read

According to The Vegan Society, many people unknowingly take medicines containing animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin and lactose, which can challenge their ethical or religious beliefs. Understanding how to identify these components is crucial for those with strict dietary requirements.

Quick Summary

Reviewing medicine ingredients for animal derivatives requires consulting the manufacturer's leaflet or contacting them directly to confirm the sourcing, especially for inactive components and capsules.

Key Points

Check the Label: Don't assume. Look for a Patient Information Leaflet or manufacturer's details, as medicines aren't always labeled like food products.
Watch for Gelatin: Most medicine capsules are made from gelatin, a protein from animal bones and skin. Look for cellulose (HPMC) or plant-based alternatives.
Identify Excipients: Be aware of inactive ingredients (excipients) like lactose (milk), shellac (insects), carmine (insects), and stearic acid (can be animal or plant-based).
Contact the Manufacturer: If the source of an ingredient like stearic acid or glycerin is unclear, the most reliable method is to call the pharmaceutical company directly.
Consult a Pharmacist: Your pharmacist is an invaluable resource for identifying animal-derived ingredients and exploring safe, suitable alternatives.
Look for Certifications: Some products may have a 'Certified Animal Free' seal or V-Label, but these are not universal and require specific company partnerships.
Evaluate Necessity: In life-threatening situations, a healthcare provider may determine that taking a medicine with animal ingredients is necessary if no effective alternative exists.

Understanding Medicine Ingredients

For those adhering to vegetarian, vegan, or certain religious diets, ensuring medications are free of animal-derived products is important. Unlike food, there is no universal requirement to label all medicines with a green or brown symbol, making the process more complex. A key distinction to understand is the difference between active and inactive ingredients.

Active vs. Inactive Ingredients (Excipients)

An active ingredient is the component that produces the intended therapeutic effect. Some active ingredients are sourced directly from animals, such as heparin from pigs or conjugated estrogens from horses.

Inactive ingredients, also known as excipients, are substances added for various functions, such as binding, filling, or stabilizing the medication. They are the most common source of hidden animal content in medicines. This includes the capsule shells, coatings, and tablet fillers.

Common Animal-Derived Ingredients to Look For

Several excipients and active ingredients may come from animal sources. Here is a list of common ones to scrutinize:

Gelatin: A protein derived from boiling the skin, bones, and tissues of animals like cows and pigs. It is commonly used to make hard and soft capsules. Vegetable-based alternatives made from cellulose (HPMC) are also available.
Lactose: A type of sugar derived from milk. It is frequently used as a binder or filler in tablets.
Shellac: A resin secreted by the female lac bug, used as a glazing agent or coating for tablets.
Carmine (or Cochineal): A red dye made from crushed cochineal insects, used to color some medications or capsules.
Lanolin: A substance extracted from sheep's wool, which can be a source of Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol).
Magnesium Stearate/Stearic Acid: These are salts used as lubricants in tablets and powders. While they can be plant-based, they are often derived from animal fats (tallow). Without specific labeling, it's impossible to know the origin.
Heparin: A blood thinner derived from pig intestines.
Pancreatin: An enzyme supplement derived from pig pancreas.

Step-by-Step Guide to Checking Your Medication

Check the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL): Look for a leaflet inside the medicine packaging or find the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) on the manufacturer's website. While it must disclose ingredients, it may not specify the source (e.g., animal or plant). Always read the entire document carefully.
Investigate Ambiguous Ingredients: If you see ingredients like 'stearic acid' or 'glycerin' without a specified source, you cannot assume they are vegetarian. The manufacturer must be contacted for clarification.
Look for Certification Seals: In some markets, third-party certification logos, such as V-Label or Pill Clarity's 'Certified Animal Free,' may appear on packaging. These labels guarantee the product meets specific animal-free standards.
Use Online Databases: Sites like Pill Clarity are dedicated to helping consumers find out if their medications contain animal-derived ingredients. National regulatory databases, such as the Australian TGA's ARTG, also list inactive ingredients.
Consult a Pharmacist: Your pharmacist is an invaluable resource. They can contact manufacturers, research the sourcing of ingredients, and suggest alternative, non-animal-derived products if available.

Alternatives and Considerations

For some medications, vegetarian alternatives exist. For example, some manufacturers use vegetable-based cellulose (HPMC) for capsules instead of gelatin. Alternative formulations, such as liquid or dissolvable tablets, may also be an option. However, it's vital to discuss any changes with a healthcare provider, as some life-saving medications may not have suitable alternatives. In such cases, religious or ethical advice may be needed to determine if the benefit outweighs the non-compliance with dietary rules.

Comparison of Capsule Types


Feature	Gelatin Capsules	HPMC Vegetarian Capsules
Source	Animal collagen (typically cow, pig, fish)	Plant cellulose (e.g., from trees)
Cost	Generally lower cost	Generally higher cost
Suitability	Not for vegetarians, vegans, or those with certain religious restrictions	Ideal for plant-based diets, hypoallergenic, often Halal/Kosher certified
Stability	More stable in drier environments, sensitive to heat/light	More resistant to temperature and UV light
Moisture Content	Higher (13-15%), sensitive to humidity	Lower (3-7%), more stable
Ethical Aspect	Less favorable for ethical vegans/vegetarians	Cruelty-free and eco-friendly

Conclusion

While checking if medicine is veg or non-veg requires effort, it is a necessary step for those with dietary restrictions. The process involves more than just glancing at a symbol. Consumers must be proactive in reading patient leaflets, researching specific ingredients, and contacting manufacturers for clarification. Furthermore, consulting a healthcare professional is essential before making any changes, especially for critical medications, to ensure patient safety remains the highest priority. With careful attention to detail and proactive research, individuals can ensure their health regimen aligns with their personal values. For further research into specific ingredients and regulations, resources like the Specialist Pharmacy Service can be helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a universal labeling system with symbols like those for food products does not apply to all medicines. This makes reading the ingredients or contacting the manufacturer the most reliable approach.

Gelatin is a protein derived from boiling animal bones, skin, and hides, most commonly from cows and pigs. It is frequently used to make the shells of both hard and soft capsules because it is cost-effective and dissolves easily in the body.

Yes, lactose is a sugar derived from cow's milk and is often used as a filler or binder in tablets. For strict vegans or those with a dairy intolerance, this is an important consideration.

Not necessarily. Many liquid medications contain glycerin, which can be derived from either animal fat or vegetable oils. Unless the label specifies 'vegetable glycerin,' its source is uncertain.

The ingredient list often won't specify if stearic acid is from a plant or animal source. The most definitive way to find out is to contact the manufacturer directly via their website or a customer service number, which a pharmacist can assist with.

For life-saving or essential medications, it is crucial to consult your doctor or pharmacist. They can explore whether equally effective alternatives exist or if the medication can be dispensed in a different formulation, such as a liquid instead of a capsule.

Some vaccines may contain ingredients or have been manufactured using animal products. For example, some MMR vaccines have involved porcine products. It is best to check with your healthcare provider for information on specific vaccines.