Can I Treat My Istihada [Abnormal Bleeding] With Medicine Containing Unlawful Ingredients?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam
Question:Assalam ‘aleykum,
I suffer from persistent abnormal bleeding (istihaada), and would like to begin oral contraceptive pills. However, it is very difficult to find oral contraceptives without beef or pork ingredients. Would it be permissible to take the medication if it contained only beef ingredients?
Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
I pray that you are in the best of health and faith, insha’Allah.
It would be permitted to use medicines containing unlawful ingredients if: [a] the medicine is known to be effective, [b] there is no permissible alternative, and [c] this has been established by an expert doctor, through past relevant experience, your own or that of another, or manifest signs such as its being clearly known that it is the only medicine available.
Please see: Is It Permissible to Use Medicine With Haram Ingredients? and: Can I Take Medicine With Unlawful Ingredients? and: Can I Take Non-Halal Medical Supplements?
And Allah alone gives success.
wassalam,
Tabraze Azam
Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani.