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Medicine on Shabbat: Difference between revisions
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== Asthma == | == Asthma == | ||
# All oral and breathing medications for mild asthma are permitted to be taken on Shabbat. <ref>[http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] </ref> | # All oral and breathing medications for mild asthma are permitted to be taken on Shabbat. <ref>[http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] </ref> | ||
===Athlete’s foot=== | |||
# One may not use any medication for athlete’s foot on Shabbat. <ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] </ref> | |||
===Back or neck brace=== | |||
# One may put on or remove a back or neck brace on Shabbat. <ref>[http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] Based on ruling of Rav S.Z. Auerbach in Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasah 34, note 113. </ref> | |||
===Bee sting=== | |||
# If one has a bee or wasp sting the stinger may be removed and the area may be washed with ice water, lemon juice or vinegar, etc. The area may not be soaked, however, in those liquids. <ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org], See Mishnah Berurah 328:141,142 </ref> | |||
# One may use liquid or spray insect repellent on Shabbat. <ref> Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasah 14:35; Shalmei Yehudah, pg. 179, [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org]</ref> | |||
===Birth control=== | |||
# It's permissible to take birth control pills on Shabbat (assuming she received halachic permission to take these pills). <ref> [http://www.dailyhalacha.com/displayRead.asp?readID=2228 Rabbi Mansour on DailyHalacha.com]</ref> | |||
===Stopping bleeding=== | |||
# Pressure may be applied to a cut to stop bleeding. Sucking or squeezing out blood is prohibited. <ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org], Mishnah Berurah 328:147 </ref> | |||
===Bone fracture=== | |||
# For a simple bone fracture a non-Jew may be asked to do anything necessary, e.g., make a phone call, drive a car, take x-rays or put on a cast. [If a non-Jew is not available, some poskim permit a Jew to do these acts if they are done with a shinui, in an abnormal manner. <Ref> This is the view of Shulchan Aruch ha-Rav 328:19 and Eglei Tal (Tochen 18). Some poskim (Rav S.Z. Auerbach, quoted in Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasah 33, note 18; Shevet ha-Levi 8:93) rule that one may rely on this view, especially when there is “danger to a limb.” Note, however, that Mishnah Berurah, Aruch ha-Shulchan and most poskim do not agree with this leniency. </ref>] If there is even a small chance of internal bleeding, e.g., the thigh or pelvis bone was fractured, or if the elbow was shattered, all Shabbos restrictions are lifted. <Ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] </ref> | |||
===cellulites=== | |||
# Since cellulitis may be life-threatening immediate medical attention is required. <Ref>[http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] </ref> | |||
===Cold=== | |||
# For a cold one may not take medications or vitamins.[26] <ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org], Rav S.Z. Auerbach (Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasah 34, note 52) write that there is room for leniency in kavod ha-beriyos situations, e.g., a constantly dripping nose which is disturbing to people who are around him.</ref> unless one is experiencing discomfort in his whole body or is bedridden. Chicken soup and tea with honey, etc. are permitted. <Ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] </ref> | |||
===Cough=== | |||
# Cough–medication may not be taken. If the cough may be an indication of pneumonia or asthma, medication is permitted. <Ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] </ref> | |||
===Band-Aid=== | |||
# 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 Shabbos use by peeling off their protective tabs and re-sealing them before Shabbos. <Ref> Most poskim (oral ruling by Rav M. Feinstein, quoted in Kitzur Hilchos Shabbos 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 Shabbos 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 Shabbos use by peeling off their protective tabs and re-sealing them before Shabbos; once they have been prepared in this fashion, they may be used on Shabbos (Tzitz Eliezer 16:6-5). </ref> | |||
===Bee Sting=== | ===Bee Sting=== | ||
# One may remove a insect sting and rinse with ice water to prevent irritation but may not soak the soak the area in water. <ref>39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 478) </ref> | # One may remove a insect sting and rinse with ice water to prevent irritation but may not soak the soak the area in water. <ref>39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 478) </ref> | ||
===Diabetes=== | |||
# All necessary medications for diabetes may be taken on Shabbat. <ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] </ref> | |||
===Diarrhea=== | |||
# For diarrhea one may not take medication unless one is in severe pain or weak all over. Prune juice or any other food or drink is permitted. A hot water bottle is permitted when one experiences strong pains. <ref> Mishnah Berurah 326:19, [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] </ref> | |||
===Chapped lips=== | |||
# For dried or cracked lips one may not apply chap stick or any other medication, liquid or otherwise. <Ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] </ref> | |||
===Chapped hands=== | |||
# For dried (or chapped) hands it is prohibited to rub them with either oil, ointment (Vaseline) or lotion. One who regularly uses a pourable, liquid lotion or oil on his hands (whether they are chapped or not) may do so on Shabbos, too, even if his hands are chapped.<ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] based on S”A 327:1</ref> | |||
===Ear infection=== | |||
# For an ear infection all medications are permitted. Cotton balls may be inserted. <Ref>[http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org], It is prohibited to tear cotton balling on Shabbos; Minchas Yitzchak 4:45; Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasah 35:20. </ref> Even if the infection is no longer present, prescribed medicine begun on a weekday must be continued until finished in order to avoid a relapse. <Ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] </ref> | |||
===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> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] based on S”A O.C. 328:20 </ref> | |||
===Fever=== | |||
# For a fever any oral medications may be taken. A mercury thermometer may be used. <Ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] based on S”A O.C. 306:7 </ref> If a person is suffering from high-grade fever, a non-Jew may be asked to do whatever the patient needs in order to feel better. <Ref> Mishnah Berurah 328:46, 47 </ref> If the cause of the fever is unknown, a doctor should be consulted. | |||
===Headache=== | |||
# For a headache medication should not be taken. If the headache is severe enough so that one feels weak all over or is forced to go to bed, medication may be taken. One who is unsure if he has reached that stage of illness may be lenient and take pain- relieving medication. <Ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] See Ketzos ha-Shulchan 138, pg. 100; Minchas Yitzchak 3:35; Be’er Moshe 1:33; 2:32. </ref> | |||
===Heartburn=== | |||
# For heartburn foods which will have a soothing effect may be eaten. Some poskim permit taking anti-acid medication while others are stringent. If the medicine is prescribed by a doctor, one may be lenient. <ref>[http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] See Ketzos ha-Shulchan 138, pg. 98; Tzitz Eliezer 8:15 (15-21); Az Nidberu 1:31; Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasah 34:4 </ref> | |||
===Hemorrhoids=== | |||
# For a mild case of hemorrhoids medication may not be taken. For a severe case, it is permitted to sit in a “sitz bath” (with water that heated before Shabbos), or use medicated pads or suppositories. <Ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] </ref> | |||
===Herniated disc=== | |||
# For a herniated disc (back and leg pain) ice packs or hot packs are permitted. Physical therapy exercises, e.g. stretching, are permitted. If the pain is severe to the degree that the entire body is in pain, painkillers or other medications are permitted as well. <Ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] </ref> | |||
===Indigestion=== | ===Indigestion=== | ||
# One may take a leisurely walk in order to help digestion. <ref>39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 477) </ref> | # One may take a leisurely walk in order to help digestion. <ref>39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 477) </ref> | ||
===Infection=== | |||
# For an infection all medications are permitted. <Ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] </ref> | |||
===Lactose=== | |||
# For lactose intolerance one may not take enzyme supplement tablets. But it is permitted to add enzyme drops to liquid dairy foods before Shabbos and drink the dairy on Shabbos. <Ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] . See Refuas Yisrael, pg. 245. </ref> | |||
===Migraine=== | |||
# For a migraine headache any oral medications may be taken. <Ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] </ref> | |||
===Nosebleed=== | |||
# For a nosebleed bleeding may be stopped with a tissue or a napkin. If none is available, a cloth napkin may be used. <ref> Mishnah Berurah 328:146 </ref> | |||
===Retainer=== | |||
# One may insert and remove a retainer on Shabbat. <ref> Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasah 34:29 </ref> | |||
===Scab=== | |||
# It is permitted to remove a scab as long as blood is not drawn from the wound. <ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] based on S”A O.C. 328:22 and Mishnah Berurah 90. </ref> | |||
===Sleep disorder=== | |||
# There are conflicting views among contemporary poskim about taking sleeping pills or No-Doze pills. <ref> See Minchas Yitzchak 3:21, Tzitz Eliezer 9:17, Be’er Moshe 1:33 and Shalmei Yehudah, pg. 176, for the various views. </ref> One who is weak all over or bedridden may take them. Cotton balls may be used as ear plugs. It is permitted to use pliable ear plugs, which are made from a wax-like material that spreads to fill the cavity of the ear. <ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] quoting Rav S.Z. Auerbach (Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasah 14:45); Shraga ha-Meir 5:23. Rav Y.S. Elyashiv, however, recommends not using pliable ear plugs on Shabbos; see Ashrei ha-Ish 17:117; 33:7 </ref> | |||
===Sore throat=== | |||
# For a sore throat medication may not be taken. Gargling is prohibited. <Ref> S”A 328:32</ref> Drinking tea or any other hot drink, or sucking a candy, is permitted even if the intention is for medicinal purposes. <ref>S”A 328:37 </ref> | |||
===Splinter=== | ===Splinter=== | ||
# | # 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> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] quoting Mishnah Berurah 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 remove if it will certainly bleed unless it is very painful. </ref> | ||
===Sprain=== | |||
# For a sprain if the patient is not experiencing severe pain, nothing may be done. If the patient is experiencing severe pain, medication may be taken and a massage may be given. A makeshift splint may be applied, provided that no Shabbos Labors are transgressed. <Ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] </ref> | |||
===Stitches=== | |||
# Only a non-Jew is allowed to stitch any wound, even if the stitching is done only for cosmetic reasons. <ref> Minchas Shelomo 2:34-33 and Nishmas Avraham, vol. 4, O.C. 340. See also Shemiras Shabbos 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> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] </ref> | |||
===Strep throat=== | |||
# For a strep throat all oral medications may be taken. Even if the infection is no longer present, the prescribed medicine begun on a weekday must be continued until finished. A culture may be taken by a non-Jew. <Ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] </ref> | |||
===Sunburn=== | |||
# For a ordinary sunburn medications are not permitted. <Ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] </ref> | |||
===Sweating=== | |||
# It is permitted to sprinkle baby powder on those parts of the body which are perspiring. <Ref> Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasah 34:12 </ref> | |||
===Swelling=== | |||
# It is permitted to press a knife, etc. against the skin to prevent or minimize swelling. <Ref> Mishnah Berurah 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>[http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] 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> Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasah 35:35; Be’er Moshe 1:33-18 </ref> | |||
===Toothache=== | |||
# A minor (cavity) toothache may not be treated with painkillers, but one is permitted to drink whiskey, etc., provided that it is swallowed immediately. <ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] based on S”A O.C. 328:32. See also Mishnah Berurah 328:102 </ref>A severe toothache (to the point where one feels weak all over) or gum infection may be treated with oral medication. If the tooth needs to be extracted, a non-Jew may be asked to do so. <ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] based on Rama, O.C. 328:3. See Tzitz Eliezer 9:17 (2-11)</ref> | |||
===Wound=== | |||
# Cuts and abrasions may be washed or soaked in water. Hydrogen peroxide may be poured over a cut. It is not permitted, however, to soak absorbent cotton or paper in such a solution and then wash the wound with it. The wound may be covered with a non-medicated Band-Aid. <ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] </ref> | |||
==Purchasing the medicine== | |||
# In situations where one is considered “ill” and is permitted to take medicine on Shabbos, it is also permitted to ask a non-Jew to drive to a drugstore, buy medicine and bring it to him. <Ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org] </ref> | |||
==Specific medicines== | ==Specific medicines== | ||
