Published April 1, 2025
Did you know that some medicines have ingredients that come from pigs? For example, the stool softener Colace (docusate sodium) is an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine that comes as a gelatin capsule. The gelatin used in Colace capsules is made from pork products. A nurse reported that a Muslim patient had taken multiple doses of Colace without realizing they contained pork. Unfortunately, the container and product labeling do not mention that the medicine contains pork. People with food allergies or sensitivities, or those who want to avoid animal products for religious, cultural, or dietary reasons, need to know all of the ingredients in their medicines.
Here's what you can do: If you have concerns about the ingredients in a prescription or OTC medicine, ask your pharmacist or try contacting the company for more information.
