Taking medication on Yom Kippur

Hi,

Note: The following is Rabbi Moshe Feinstein's position regarding a particular circumstance, and is brought only for illustrative purposes. For personal questions, please consult a competent halachic authority who knows you and understands your medical condition.
One who is suffering from an illness which, left untreated, could result in a potentially fatal illness, is considered to be 'dangerously ill' in the eyes of Jewish law. Such a person may take a pill (for his current illness) on Yom Kippur with water, if he cannot take the pill dry.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 3:91)

גמר חתימה טובה,
Mordechai

Dangerous illness on Yom Kippur

Hi,

One who is suffering from an illness which, left untreated, could result in a potentially fatal illness, is considered to be 'dangerously ill' in the eyes of Jewish law. Such a person may take a pill (for his current illness) on Yom Kippur with water, if he cannot take the pill dry.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 3:91)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Taking Medicine on Yom Kippur

Hello,

The issue of taking medicine on Yom Kippur can only be answered by first answering a few sub-questions:

1. How great is the need for the medicine? (life-saving, comfort, preventive care, for the health of a fetus, etc)

2. What type of medicine is it? (pill, chewable, liquid, with a bitter taste, etc)

3. Need the medicine be taken with food? Water? Could it be taken with water which has been made bitter?

Because of the complexity of this topic, it is beyond the scope of a daily email. I would strongly encourage those who may be in this situation to consult a competent rabbi well in advance of the fast.

Gmar chatimah tovah,
Mordechai