The problems of gelatine and prescribing urologically specific medication to a diverse population in the UK. An initial study

Summary 

Introduction

Gelatine is a setting agent used by the food and drug industries whose consumption is forbidden by religious and other faith groups. Gelatine-containing drugs are found in most of the drug classifications in Section 7.4 of the British National Formulary (BNF). We investigate the issues and seek to provide a solution to the use of gelatine-containing medications in urology.

Methods

Forty representative urological practitioners were surveyed to ascertain if they knew of gelatine-containing urological drugs, had encountered patients enquiring about gelatine-containing medication, and where they would seek this information from.

Results

Twenty-five percent of surveyed urologists had experience of patients refusing medication on the suspicion of gelatine content. 53% were unsure if urological drugs could contain gelatine, while 22%, wrongly, thought they did not. Regarding acquisition of drug constituent information, approximately a third did not know, a third looked to incorrect resources and a third referred to their pharmacy's drug information service.

Conclusion

Most urologists are unaware of the issues surrounding the prescribing of gelatine-containing urological medications, the most important being those given for the management of prostatic hypertrophy. A knowledge of alternative prescribing options can help avoid belief violation for our diverse community in the UK.

Keywords: Gelatine, Urological medication, Porcine, Bovine, Ethics, Consent