Abstract

Various religions may have beliefs regarding the consumption and utilization of animal-derived products, which have the potential to affect medical care related to animal-derived medications and products. Literature regarding the use of porcine and bovine derived medications and medical devices for patients who practice Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism is limited. Consideration and knowledge of these issues is necessary to facilitate successful communication with a diverse patient population and respect religious convictions. We present a 20-year-old patient of the Islamic faith who required anticoagulation following a lower extremity orthopedic procedure. The family and patient requested no porcine-derived medications thereby precluding the use of subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin. Issues surrounding religious concerns regarding animal-derived medications and healthcare products are reviewed and options for effective care in such circumstances outlined.

Key words: anesthesia, animal-derived, porcine, medication