Medication on a Fast Day

Question

What does Jewish Law say about fasting when you take medications? (Such as today, Taanit Esther, March 20, ’19.)

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Answers

  1. If the medication can be taken without water (and food) then there is no real issue with taking it. If the medication must be taken with liquid then the person should speak first with their physician to see if it can missed for one day (or the hours that it is taken altered slightly to accommodate the Fast). If it cannot then person should consult with a local Orthodox Rabbi who will be able to rule on how and when the person should take the medication. If needs be the Rabbi will be able to speak with the person’s physician to clarify any matters that are not clear.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team