بِسۡمِ اللهِ الرَّحۡمٰنِ الرَّحِيۡمِ
Please note the information compiled below is not exhaustive. If you find any mistakes, please send an email to ahussain1999@doctors.org.uk or message through this website.
Dr. A. Hussain
Medicines Containing Porcine-Derived Ingredients
Key Points
- Heparin remains predominantly porcine-derived in mainstream clinical use in the UK and globally, although research into synthetic alternatives is advancing. Most synthetic options (such as fondaparinux) have limited interchangeability for all indications.
- Porcine-sourced thyroid extract tablets are still on the market, but synthetic levothyroxine is first-line for hypothyroidism. Both the FDA and the NHS note religious and dietary patient concerns.
- Most pancreatin enzyme replacement products (Creon, Nutrizym, Pancrex) remain porcine-derived, especially in the UK pharmacy supply.
- Porcine-derived gelatin is still widely used for vaccine stabilisation and gel capsule formation due to its efficacy, biology, and cost.
- Most insulin today is recombinant human insulin, with older porcine insulin brands now rare. Check labels for legacy porcine products.
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Vaccines Containing Bovine-Derived and Porcine-Derived Ingredients
In the United Kingdom, the vaccines containing porcine gelatine in their manufacturing process include the MMR vaccine (VaxPro®), which provides protection against measles, mumps, and rubella; the shingles vaccine (Zostavax®), designed to safeguard older adults against shingles; and the children's nasal spray flu vaccine (Fluenz Tetra®), which guards children against influenza.
Are there viable alternatives to these vaccines containing porcine gelatine? Indeed, an alternative to the MMR vaccine (VaxPro®) exists, known as Priorix®, which is deemed equally safe and effective. Parents who prefer to avoid the porcine gelatine-containing MMR vaccine can request the Priorix® vaccine from their general practitioner. Currently, Zostavax® stands as the sole shingles vaccine available worldwide. However, for healthy children, there are no equally effective alternatives to Fluenz Tetra®. Although injectable flu vaccines without pork gelatine exist, they are less effective than Fluenz® in children, may require two doses, and offer limited efficacy in reducing flu transmission within the community. These vaccines are recommended primarily for individuals, both children and adults, at high risk of flu-related complications.
Vaccines Relevant Excipients
Dr. A. Hussain