Medicine on Shabbat: Difference between revisions

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# If someone has a minor condition which hurts such as a tooth ache, throat ache, head ache, cold, or cough it is forbidden to take any medicine. However, someone who is in a lot of pain to the point that he is laying in bed or he can't function normally due to his weakness, as is the case with a migraine, it permitted to take medicine.<Ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 34:1,3 and Rav Mordechai Eliyahu's comment on Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 91:1. The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt) writes that although contemporary poskim debate whether nowadays we can be more lenient with taking medication on [[Shabbat]] because of the change in technique of production of medicines, the general consensus is to reject this argument. See Minchas [[Shabbat]] 91:9; Ketzos ha-Shulchan 134:7; Chelkas Yaakov 4:41; and Tzitz Eliezer 8:15:15. See also [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/739326/Rabbi_Aryeh_Lebowitz/Ten_Minute_Halacha_-_Medicine_on_Shabbat_Part_I Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz on YUTorah.org]. The Yalkut Yosef 328:52 writes that a choleh shein bo skana (sick in bed) can take pills. He adds that in general someone who is in a lot of pain but isn't choleh shein bo sakana may not take the pills and only makes two exceptions, for someone who has a big headache and someone who has a big stomach ache.</ref>

# Some poskim allow a person who is accustomed to take pain killers for a head ache or tooth ache to take pain killers on [[Shabbat]] if otherwise he will be in pain.<ref> Yalkut Yosef ([[Shabbat]] v. 4, pp. 408-9) writes that some say that one may take pain killers on [[Shabbat]] because they don't cure but only remove pain, and some disagree. He concludes that one should only be lenient if a person is accustomed to taking such pain killers and if one doesn't take them one will be in pain. On page 143 in discussing the same leniency he specifically mentions pills that contain paracetamol which is the active ingredient in Tylenol, a pain killer.</ref>

 

# Some poskim hold that it is forbidden to perform a biblically prohibited action on [[Shabbat]] (melacha deoritta) for someone who is in the category of "patient not dangerously ill" even if one does it in an abnormal manner (Shinui).<ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 32:2</ref> Some, however, hold that it is permitted to do actions in an abnormal way (Shinui) for a "patient not dangerously ill".<ref>Eglei Tal ([[Tochen]] #18), [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/797263/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Shiur_#3_-_Shabbos_-_melacha_sh'eina_tzericha_l'gufa Rabbi Hershel Schachter in a shiur on yutorah.org (towards end of shiur)]</ref>

===If One is Critically Ill (Choleh Sheyesh Bo Sakana)===

{{Child as Choleh on Shabbat}}

 

# One may crush a capsule or tablet of medicine so that it is mixed into a food or drink before [[Shabbat]]. Once it becomes disguised by the food one can eat the food or drink on [[Shabbat]].<ref>39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 481), [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/739326/Rabbi_Aryeh_Lebowitz/Ten_Minute_Halacha_-_Medicine_on_Shabbat_Part_I Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz on YUTorah.org], Menuchat Ahava 1:21:75 cited by Tiferet 328:3 </ref> If one didn't do it before Shabbat, some allow mixing in a liquid medicine into a drink on Shabbat.<ref>Tiferet 328:3 citing Shevet Halevi 3:37, 8:82:2. See also Menuchat Ahava 1:21:75</ref>

 

# It is permitted to put on a band aid on a wound. <Ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 34:3,Tzitz Eliezer 8:15:14:6, Chazon Ovadiah Shabbat vol. 3, page 403, Piskeh Teshuvot 328:46 </ref>

# According to Ashkenazim, one should not remove a band aid on [[Shabbat]] if there is hair in the area of the band aid. However, if it is painful one may remove it. <ref> Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 35:30 (in the new edition) writes that a band aid shouldn’t be removed on [[Shabbat]] in an area where there’s hair because removing the band aid will certainly pull out hairs. However, the Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata writes that it’s permissible to use a Benzine to remove the band aid so it won’t rip out any hairs that’s assuming the cream was set aside before [[Shabbat]] and isn’t [[Muktzeh]]. Nonetheless in the footnote he quotes Rav Shlomo Zalman saying that if it’s painful it may be removed because it’s a pesik reisha delo nicha leih (פסיק רישא דלא ניחא ליה), keleacher yad (כלאחר יד), and mekalkel (מקלקל). </ref> However, Sephardim are more lenient as long as there is a need to remove it, it's permissible. <ref> The Yalkut Yosef ([[Shabbat]] 4 pg 179, kitzur S”A 328:101, 340:6) writes that if there’s a need, it’s permissible to remove a band aid from an area of hair on [[Shabbat]] because it’s a pesik reisha delo nicha leih (פסיק רישא דלא ניחא ליה) for a Derabbanan. In the footnote he writes that even though the Or Letzion (vol 2, pg 259) is strict, his father (Rav Ovadyah, in Haskama to Lev Avraham), Rav Yitzchak Elchanan (Bear Yitzchak Siman 15), and Rav Shlomo Zalman (from Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata) are lenient. </ref>

# Most authorities permit removing the Band-Aid from the protective tabs, while some are stringent and so to satisfy all opinions one may prepare Band-Aids for [[Shabbat]] use by peeling off their protective tabs and re-sealing them before [[Shabbat]]. <Ref> Most poskim (oral ruling by Rav M. Feinstein, quoted in Kitzur Hilchos [[Shabbat]] 44, note 117); Rav S.Z. Auerbach in Shulchan Shelomo 328:45; Ohr l’Tziyon 2:36-15; Az Nidberu 7:34, 35; Rav C.P. Scheinberg, quoted in Children in Halachah, pg. 88; Rav N. Karelitz, quoted in Orchos [[Shabbat]] 11:35) permit removing the protective tabs from a Band-Aid, while others (Minchas Yitzchak 5:39-2; 9:41; Rav Y.S. Elyashiv, quoted in Machazeh Eliyahu 70) are stringent. To satisfy all opinions, one may prepare Band-Aids for [[Shabbat]] use by peeling off their protective tabs and re-sealing them before [[Shabbat]]; once they have been prepared in this fashion, they may be used on [[Shabbat]] (Tzitz Eliezer 16:6-5). Sh”t Bear Moshe 1:36 writes that it is obvious that it is permitted to remove the plastic tabs from the sides of a bandaid on [[Shabbat]] and it isn't [[Koreah]]. </ref>

===Back or Neck Brace===

# One may put on or remove a back or neck brace on [[Shabbat]]. <ref>The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt) based on ruling of Rav S.Z. Auerbach in Shemiras [[Shabbat]] K’hilchasah 34, note 113. </ref>

 

===Bone Fracture===

# For diarrhea one may not take medication unless one is in severe pain or weak all over. Any food or drink is permitted. A hot water bottle is permitted when one experiences strong pains. <ref> Mishna Brurah 326:19, The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)</ref>

 

# Some poskim permit taking pills for conception. <ref> Chacham Ovadia Yosef, Rav Moshe Stern, and Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach cited on [http://www.halachayomit.co.il/EnglishDefault.asp?HalachaID=3319 Halacha Yomit] </ref>

 

===Ear Infection===

 

===Eye Inflammation===

# For an eye inflammation eye drops (or ointment) may be instilled in the eye. If the eye is not inflamed but merely irritated, no medication is permitted. <Ref> The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt) based on S”A O.C. 328:20. Shulchan Aruch O.C. 328:9 states that if someone's eyes are inflamed or it has pus or blood coming out, or tears pouring out, one can violate Shabbat. Mishna Brurah 328:22 quotes the Gemara which explains that even though for a regular Sakanat Ever we shouldn't violate Shabbat since the health of a person's eyes are linked to his entire health he can violate Shabbat.</ref> Some permit putting in eye drops even if they are irritated.<ref>Chazon Ovadia Shabbat v. 3 p. 233 cited by Tiferet 328:31</ref>

 

# For lactose intolerance, some poskim rule that one may not take enzyme supplement tablets. But it is permitted to add enzyme drops to liquid dairy foods before [[Shabbat]] and drink the dairy on [[Shabbat]]. <Ref> The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt). See Refuas Yisrael, pg. 245. </ref> Others are lenient.<ref>Rav Yisroel Belsky (Shu"t Shulchan HaLevi 10:2) ruled that lactase pills may be taken because they are not viewed as medicines. Chazal only forbade medicines because a person who is ill is physically distressed and might impetuously grind the ingredients on Shabbos. Lactase pills are not used to treat an illness. They simply provide the body with the missing enzymes that are necessary for the digestion of the milk sugars.</ref>

 

# It is permitted to use mouthwash on [[Shabbat]].<ref> See Beer Moshe 1:34:7page 78 is lenient as is Rivevot Ephraim 2:115:23:page 192, 3:536:6, 4:97:5, 6:195,  Nishmas [[Shabbos]] 5:318, Cheshev Ha’efod 2:59 </ref> See the [[Brushing Teeth on Shabbat]] page for more on this topic.

 

# One who is ill or in need of using chemical hand warmers on [[Shabbat]], such as in the case of Raynaud's syndrome, or a soldier on guard duty who must remain alert may do so on [[Shabbat]]. <ref> [http://www.yeshiva.co/ask/?id=4876 Yeshiva.org] based on Rav Dov Lior in his book Dvar Chevron Siman 236 pg. 125 </ref>

# A splinter under the skin may be extracted with the fingers, or with tweezers or a needle. If, unavoidably, a little blood is secreted in the process, it is of no consequence. <ref> The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)quoting Mishna Brurah 328:88 and Sha’ar ha-Tziyun 63. 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 478) writes one may remove a splinter even if it may bleed, but one may not remove if it will certainly bleed unless it is very painful. </ref>

 

# Only a non-Jew is allowed to stitch any wound, even if the stitching is done only for cosmetic reasons.<ref> Minchat Shelomo 2:34-33 and Nishmas Avraham, vol. 4, O.C. 340. See also Shemiras [[Shabbat]] K’hilchasah 33, note 26, and 35, note 65-66.</ref> A Jew may place a butterfly bandage or steri-strips to close a simple laceration or cut. Surgical skin closure glue may also be used. <ref> The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt). See [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html].</ref>

# It is permitted to press a knife, etc. against the skin to prevent or minimize swelling. <Ref> Mishna Brurah 328:144 </ref>  

# It is permitted to wash or soak the swollen area in water.<ref> Tzitz Eliezer 8:15 (15-12) </ref> It is permitted to place a compress, <ref>The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)writes in order to avoid [[sechitah]] and/or libun, only paper towels or napkins should be used and care should be taken not to squeeze them.</ref> ice (placed in plastic bag) or any frozen item over a swollen area. <ref>Be’er Moshe 1:33-18, Contemporary Questions in Halacha and Hashkafa pg. 144, [http://www.learntorah.com/lt-shiur-details.aspx?id=4985 Rabbi Meyer Yedid]. Rabbi Yedid says that this is because the [[refuah]] cannot be replicated through medicines and therefore wasn't included in the rabbinic enactment against [[refuah]]. See also  Shemiras [[Shabbat]] K’hilchasah 35:35  </ref> Some forbid applying an ice pack if it is clearly being done for medicinal reasons.<ref>Rabbi Heinemann cited by the [https://www.star-k.org/articles/kashrus-kurrents/kashrus-kurrents-2019/6238/medicine-on-shabbos-questions-and-answers-from-rav-moshe-heinemann-shlita/ Star-K]. See Shulchan Shlomo 328:37 and Halachos of Refuah on Shabbos p. 29.</ref>

==Purchasing the Medicine==

# Even someone with a minor ailment may eat food which healthy people eat even if one’s intention is for improving one’s health. For example, someone who has a head ache may eat honey, a lemon, or suck on candy. Someone who has a hoarse throat may swallow a raw egg. <Ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 34:4 based on Shulchan Aruch 328:37, Aruch Hashulchan 328:48. Refer to Mishna Brurah 328:117-118. See Ketzos Ha’shulchan 134:16:pages 31-32 in depth on what constitutes a health persons food. </ref>

# Many poskim are of the opinion that Tylenol® and aspirin should not be taken even though healthy people may take them as well.<ref>Minchas Yitzchok 3:35:2, Be’er Moshe 1:33:5, 2:32, 6:39, Shraga Hameir 2:40, Refuas Yisroel page 16:footnote 42. Refer to Divrei Chachumim pages 137-138:389 who quotes a lenient opinion. </ref> However, if one is in great pain then taking them is permitted.<ref>Minchas Yitzchok 3:35:2, Be’er Moshe 1:33:5, Refuas Yisroel page 16:footnote 42, Chazon Ovadia v. 4 p. 141 cited by Tiferet 328:1 </ref>

# Some are lenient to take ibuprofen if a person regularly takes them and if they don't take it they'll be in pain.<ref>Yalkut Yosef v. 4 p. 143 cited by Tiferet 328:2</ref>

 

# One should make sure to schedule a non emergency surgery in the first three days of the week but not on or after Wednesday. However, after the fact and if one did the surgery at such a time and there is a situation of Pikuach Nefesh it is totally permissible to violate [[Shabbat]] like any other sick person in danger. <Ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 32:33 based on the idea of Baal HaMoer quoted in S”A 248:4. Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata (chap 32 note 99) quotes Rav Shlomo Zalman who says that if an expert doctor who is needed for this surgery is only available on Wednesday through Friday it is permissible to schedule the surgery then. For background of this topic [[Brit_Milah#Delayed Milah on Thursday or Friday|see here]].</ref> Sephardim could be lenient to schedule such a surgery on Wednesday but not past Thursday. <Ref>Yalkut Yosef ([[Shabbat]], vol 1, pg 60) </ref>

# It is permissible for a pregnant woman who is past her term to receive a hormone infusion to induce labor if the doctor feels that there danger to the life of the mother or fetus. <Ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata (chap 32, note 98 (note 100, in new one)).For background of this topic [[Brit_Milah#Delayed Milah on Thursday or Friday|see here]]. </ref>

# If according to the doctor a women has to have a caesarian section and she can choose to schedule the surgery, she should schedule for the first three days of the week and not Wednesday through Friday. <Ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 36:4 based on the principle of the Baal HaMoer. For background of this topic [[Brit_Milah#Delayed Milah on Thursday or Friday|see here]]. </ref>  

# A doctor who is on call and there is a sick patient under his or her care, some say that the doctor should stay in the hospital or nearby so that the doctor will not have to travel on [[Shabbat]]<ref>Sh”t Igrot Moshe 1:131 and Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 30:26 </ref>, while others are lenient if it will ruin the doctor and his family’s oneg [[Shabbat]]. <ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata (chap 40 note 71) in name of Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach explaining that since there is a mitzvah of oneg [[Shabbat]] one is not obligated to leave one’s home on Friday in order to avoid violation of [[Shabbat]]. For background of this topic [[Brit_Milah#Delayed Milah on Thursday or Friday|see here]]. </ref>