March 10th is Pack Your Lunch Day! To celebrate, here are a few of our favorite vegan recipes! SWEET POTATO CHILI From the kitchen of Pill Clarity's Teresa Henry Serves 4-6 INGREDIENTS: -2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced in 2in chunks -1 yellow onion, diced -2 garlic cloves, minced -1 (15oz) can red kidney beans, drained and mixed -1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped -1 (14.5oz) can tomatoes -1 tbsp chili pepper -1 tsp salt -1 cup water -1/2 cup orange juice INSTRUCTIONS: 1.Use a 5-6 quart slow cooker. Peel and chunk the sweet potatoes and add to the pot. 2. Add onion, green bell pepper, tomatoes, beans, garlic, and seasonings. 3. Pour OJ and water 4. Cook on low 6-8 hours. JACKFRUIT PULLED PORK Serves 4 INGREDIENTS: -2 (14 oz. cans) green jackfruit , drained -1 tablespoon olive oil -1/2 yellow onion , chopped -1/2 teaspoon chili powder -1/2 teaspoon paprika -1/4 cup tomato paste (no salt added) -1/4 cup apple cider vinegar -1/4 cup maple syrup -1 teaspoon spicy brown mustard -1/4 teaspoon salt OPTIONAL ADD-INS: -pinch of cayenne pepper (for a spicy BBQ sauce) -pinch of smoked paprika (for a smoky BBQ sauce) -1 teaspoon blackstrap molasses (for a richer BBQ sauce) -1 to 2 garlic cloves , minced (saute with onion, if desired) INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Drain the 2 cans of jackfruit into a large mesh strainer and rinse them under running water. While the jackfruit is still in the strainer, use your fingers to "shred" the jackfruit into strands that resemble shredded meat. Rinse it again to remove any remaining brine, then set aside. 2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté the onion until it starts to soften, about 5 minutes. Add in the chili powder and paprika, and saute again for 30 seconds. 3. Add in the tomato paste, vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, and salt and stir well to combine. You may want to add up to 1/4 cup of water at this point, to help the sauce come together and not stick to the pan. 4. Add in the jackfruit, and stir well to get every piece coated with the sauce. Stir until heated through, and taste a piece to see if you need to adjust the seasoning. At this point, you can add more salt, extra optional spices for more heat or smoky flavor, or an extra splash of maple syrup if you prefer sweeter barbecue sauce. 5. Serve the jackfruit pulled pork on a bun with your favorite coleslaw, or over a salad if you prefer. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. SUSHI BOWL WITH VEGAN SPICY MAYO Serves 4 INGREDIENTS: For the Spicy Mayo: -1/2 cup raw cashews -5 tbsp water (plus more to adjust consistency, if desired) -1 tbsp fresh lime juice or rice vinegar -1/2 tsp sea salt -2 tsp pure maple syrup -2 tsp soy sauce -1 tbsp + 1 tsp sriracha sauce For the Sushi Bowls : -brown, wild or white rice -julienned carrot -diced cucumber -diced avocado -shelled edamame -cooked and cubed sweet potato (boil, steam or bake) - nori sheets or snacks , cut into strips or crumbled - sesame seeds, for topping -chopped green onion, for topping - soy sauce , for topping INSTRUCTIONS: 1. To make the spicy vegan mayo, blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy. 2. Assemble the bowls by starting with a scoop of rice and arranging the rest of the ingredients on top. 3. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onion, drizzle with spicy mayo and soy sauce and enjoy. NOTES: 1. The spicy mayo makes enough for 4 bowls, adjust the bowl ingredients accordingly. The sauce is quite spicy so if you don’t like spice, you can reduce the amount of sriracha used or try the soy ginger or soy wasabi option. 2. As an alternative to the spicy mayo, you can just add some sriracha to vegan mayonnaise. I don’t usually buy vegan mayo since I’m not a big mayo fan but if you have some on hand, that makes a quick and easy sauce option. Plain soy sauce is just fine too. As you plan out your animal-free lunch, consider making your lunch animal-friendly, too! Use a reusable lunch bag and Tupperware while avoiding single-use plastics. Check out this article from Green Mountain Energy for more ideas! From all of us here at Pill Clarity, Ittadakimasu! Buon appetito ! S ahtein ! Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on Pill Clarity is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates. Transparent medical information is a fundamental human right— your support helps keep this vital service alive. Looking for certified and verified animal-free products? Browse animal-free products on our online marketplace ! Thank you for your awareness and concern for animal-derived ingredients! As a reminder, please comment on our   FDA Citizen Petition , requesting clear labeling of animal-derived ingredients in medications. Together, we can make a difference. If you have any further questions about ingredients in your medicines and supplements, feel free to  reach out to the Pill Clarity team ! #plantbased #vegan #veganfood #recipes #plantbasedrecipes #goanimalfree #animalfreerecipes #packyourlunch #ecofriendly #ecofriendlylunch #ecofriendlypackaging #healthyliving #environmentallyfriendly #letseatvegan

Congratulations! It is not anywhere near January 1st, and you are still keeping up a regular workout routine! Pat yourself on the back. You deserve it! There are so many different ways to work out, from going to the gym to running to biking to climbing. Regardless of how you get your exercise, every athlete will agree that nutrition is paramount. If you are a vegan athlete, sports nutrition can become much more complicated. Plan Ahead Every athlete needs to keep an eye on their diet, but there’s more to a diet than just what you eat. It’s also important to know when to take in certain types of food and supplements. “You don’t have to adhere to a rigid schedule and there are no hard-fast rules,” said Riska Platt , M.S., R.D., a nutrition consultant for the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. “But there are some things you should do before, during and after you work out.” Generally speaking, if you are working out for an hour or less, most people only need to drink water or possibly an energy gel. Longer than that, though, and it becomes more important to plan food into the work out. Before you can plan your diet plan, you'll need to know your type of workout. Know Your Workout The type of exercise you're doing changes the types of supplements and how often you need to eat. If you are an endurance athlete , such as a long-distance runner, hiker or backpacker, or cyclist, you are likely to need more calories and carbohydrates. Unfortunately, many of these supplements include animal products, particularly gelatin. Vegan gels, such as Huma Chia Gels and GU Energy Gels , are concentrated carbohydrates, protein, and electrolytes that provide quick energy. Because they are so concentrated, it's important to drink water with the gels to prevent an upset stomach. Resistance-training sports, such as weightlifting and body building, tend to need more protein and calories. Muscles are built by creating micro-tears in muscle fibers, which are repaired using new proteins. According to Joel Giacobbe , a nutritionist and strength coach, athletes should "have about one gram of protein per pound of body weight every day." Many protein supplements are derived from animal products, especially beef, eggs, chicken, and seafood. However, there are many protein supplements that are plant-based, relying on soy, pea protein, seeds, and alfalfa. It's recommended that athletes increase their protein intake at meals, but protein supplements, such as Vega Sport Powder or Aloha Protein Powder , provide additional protein. Hydrate Before You Diedrate! Repeat after me: Hydration is important! Your sport-of-choice doesn't matter, you'll still need to maintain your water intake. Everyone sweats differently and water intake is affected by the activity you’re doing, intensity level, duration, weather, your age, your sweat rate and your body type. That said, a general recommendation is to drink a half liter of water every hour while doing moderate activity in moderate weather. As the activity level and weather increases, so should water intake. When we sweat our body loses more than just water, we are are also losing electrolytes. Electrolytes are chemicals that form ions. These ions help maintain bodily functions, such as plasma levels, maintain pH in the blood, enable muscle contractions, transmit nerve signals, assist blood clots, and build new tissue. Athletes loose electrolytes as they workout. A common side-effect of electrolyte loss is muscle cramping. Electrolyte loss won't be an issue with moderate activity that lasts less than an hour, but if the workout lasts longer or increases in intensity, athletes should compensate for the loss. Electrolytes are usually replenished with drink mixes, such as sports drinks, chews, or tablets that dissolve in water. While the active ingredients in most electrolyte sports drinks and tablets are vegan, there are often inactive ingredients and binders that are not vegan. It's important to read the ingredient list. Check out our selection of animal-free Sports Nutrition products, hand-selected by our team of experts! When in doubt, it's always a good idea to consult your doctor. Everyone's body and nutritional needs are unique. What works for one person may not be the best option for someone else. Everyone here are Pill Clarity is cheering for you as you take control of your workouts! Keep it up! You rock! Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on Pill Clarity is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates. Transparent medical information is a fundamental human right— your support helps keep this vital service alive. Looking for certified and verified animal-free products? Browse animal-free products on our online marketplace ! Thank you for your awareness and concern for animal-derived ingredients! As a reminder, please comment on our   FDA Citizen Petition , requesting clear labeling of animal-derived ingredients in medications. Together, we can make a difference. If you have any further questions about ingredients in your medicines and supplements, feel free to  reach out to the Pill Clarity team ! #sportsnutrition #workoutnutrition #sportssupplements #athlete #sports #workout #diet #training #electrolytes #protein #supplements #veganathlete #healthyliving #veganworkout #vegansupplements #veganprotein #veganelectrolytes #hydrate #veganproducts #veganshop #veganlifestyle #plantbasedathlete #plantbasedsports #plantbasedsupplements #plantbasedprotein

The President of the United States of America. The head of state and head of government, directing the executive branch of the federal government, and the commander-in-chief of the US Armed Forces. The President is a title that carries with it prestige, responsibility, and weight. While we remember the great accomplishments in the long line of US Presidents, we also remember their unique personalities and little-known contributions. Here are three examples of US Presidents that have embraced aspects of vegetarianism and veganism. 1. Thomas Jefferson Thomas Jefferson was the third President of the United States, from 1801-1809. He is best known as the principal writer of the Declaration of Independence, but as President, he also oversaw the Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis and Clark expedition, and the First Barbary War. However, American History textbooks often ignore Jefferson's reputation for being particular about food. As American Minister to France in the late 1700s, he was exposed to different cuisines, which led him to (illegally) import Piedmont rice to America , promote a love of Macaroni and Cheese , and become a wine connoisseur . Most notably, though, was Jefferson's view of animal meat on the dinner table. In 1819, Thomas Jefferson wrote , "I have lived temperately, eating little animal food, and that not as an aliment, so much as a condiment for the vegetables, which constitute my principal diet." Jefferson's love of vegetables was evident in his garden books , which described thousands of entries of varieties he grew in his vegetable gardens at Monticello. A founder of the University of Virginia, Jefferson had a strong influence in creating the menu for its students. Mostly composed of fruit and vegetables, the only meat was a small helping during the mid-day meal. Jefferson's diet, exercise regime, and reduced consumption of tobacco and alcohol are attributed to his long life of 84 years with relatively little illness. 2. Bill Clinton Bill Clinton was the 42nd President of the United States, serving from 1993-2001. During his presidency, the United States saw the largest economic expansion during a period of peace. In 2000, the Congressional Budget Office reported a surplus of $236 billion. Following his presidency, Clinton endured several health complications due to diet, resulting in a quadruple-bypass surgery in 2004 and an emergency stent surgery in 2010. It was then that Clinton decided to embrace a vegan diet. "I just decided that I was the high-risk person, and I didn't want to fool with this anymore. And I wanted to live to be a grandfather. So I decided to pick the diet that I thought would maximize my chances of long-term survival." - Bill Clinton Today, Clinton is not 100% vegan. At the recommendation of his doctor, Clinton eats organic salmon once a week. At 73 years old, Bill Clinton is the oldest person in his family for three generations. He attributes his longevity to his vegan diet and active lifestyle. In addition to clean eating, Clinton also walks two to three miles a day, outside whenever possible. He works out with weights, an exercise ball, and plays golf (without a golf cart, of course). Clinton made a decision to change his life, and encourages others to do the same. "You have to make a conscious decision to change for your own well-being, and that of your family and your country." 3. Barack Obama Barack Obama was the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009-2017. Obama was known for signing in the Affordable Healthcare Act, enacting the 2009 economic stimulus package, advocating for gay/lesbian civil rights, and reforming foreign and immigration policy. In 2017, at his first foreign appearance after leaving the Presidency, Obama addressed the Global Food Innovation in Milan. There, he addressed the correlation between the production of meat for consumption and global warming. Food has not been the focus of climate change discussions as much as it should have been. Part of the problem is that we haven’t publicized the impact of food production on greenhouse gas emissions... Most people aren’t as familiar with the impact of cows and methane. So part of the problem that we need to address is just lack of knowledge in the general public. Keep in mind how long it took to educate people around climate change, and we still have a lot of work to do. We can make progress in educating the advanced world about the need to reduce, just for dietary reasons, the amount of meat that people consume at any given meal, particularly if it’s wasted... We’re seeing businesses in the United States trying to come up with efficient, smart ways in which people can have the convenience of fast food, but with the food being healthier, and as a consequence, less is wasted." While Obama himself is not vegan, he speaks to the importance of reducing meat consumption, both for personal health and the environment. If you have any Presidential anecdotes, we would love to hear them! Comment down below or contact us at info@pillclarity.org . Happy Presidents' Day! Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on Pill Clarity is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates. Transparent medical information is a fundamental human right— your support helps keep this vital service alive. Looking for certified and verified animal-free products? Browse animal-free products on our online marketplace ! Thank you for your awareness and concern for animal-derived ingredients! As a reminder, please comment on our   FDA Citizen Petition , requesting clear labeling of animal-derived ingredients in medications. Together, we can make a difference. If you have any further questions about ingredients in your medicines and supplements, feel free to  reach out to the Pill Clarity team !

If you've been following our posts or browsing our website, you've probably noticed that we often use the term "animal-free" vs. "vegan." But why? We believe that calling a pharmaceutical, supplement, or cosmetic product "vegan" can be misleading. Due to current regulations and safety standards for new medications , animal-testing is often used (but not required) in the development of medications, supplements and cosmetics. Since veganism is " a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose ," we feel the terminology animal-free is the most accurate for medications and supplements since some part of these compounds were testing on animals at one time. What about my medication that's "certified vegan"? It's important to check the details of your product's certifications...it may not be as vegan as you think! Certification from Vegan Action includes the following requirement: "Testing on animals after the year 2000 on individual ingredients or on final product will not be accepted. The definition of ‘no-animal testing’ is defined as no use of animals (live or deceased) for any type of research purposes whatsoever to include feed or nutrition trials, toxicity testing, or animal tests or trials "as required by law" and not being tested by another company or independent contractor." We absolutely support these guidelines, but setting a time limit on animal testing means that there are likely Certified Vegan products that have been tested on animals at some point. Why do we point this out? Not to throw shade on Vegan Action ( in fact, see how you can support them! ), but to emphasize that it is truly difficult to call a medication or supplement 100% vegan. But what about "Certified Animal-Free"? Pill Clarity labels our certified products as “ Certified Animal-Free .” These medications, supplements, and cosmetics contain no animal-derived ingredients. Our certification sets the highest quality standard in the industry as it (1) provides independent verification of the individual ingredients in a product and (2) incorporates lab testing of the product where appropriate. Our certification program addresses the needs of not just vegans, but many other social and religious cultures like vegetarianism, Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and also those that embrace an animal cruelty-free world. There is a Need For Animal Ingredients Disclosure! People have a right to know if their medicines contain animal ingredients ( Mehta, 2019 ). Individual ethical, spiritual, and dietary needs should be properly recognized and addressed in respect to all goods and services, including those offered by the pharmaceutical and medical sectors. Even the American Medical Association has released an entire policy regarding better labeling of animal-derived ingredients. 84% of patients reported not knowing that several medications contained ingredients derived from animal sources Many drugs contain animal ingredients and need better, clearer labeling. In a study of 100 patients, 84% reported not knowing that several medications contained ingredients derived from animal sources. Nearly 63% of the patients wanted their physicians, and 35% of the patients wanted their providers (pharmacists, nurses) to notify them when using such medications. ( Sattar, 2004 ). What's the Good News? Alternatives exist for many animal-derived ingredients! In addition, healthcare providers are increasingly incorporating awareness around animal-free drugs in their medical practice. ( Tatham, 2014 ) Our Pill Clarity team is a group of pharmacists and professionals that believe in supporting clearer product labeling and promoting companies that make a conscious effort to avoid using animal-derived ingredients. We identify products that may be animal-free and contact the manufacturer directly to verify the origin of all ingredients used. The products that pass the test are featured on our online marketplace ! How can you join our Animal-Free Army and support our mission? Subscribe to our webpage to get the latest updates on animal-free medications and news Follow us on social media (see the buttons at the top of the page!) Take our survey to add another voice to the animal-free army Learn more about animal-free medications and animal-derived ingredients on our blog Together, we can #goanimalfree and eliminate our reliance on animals for medications and supplements for good. Additional Reading: 1. Reker, Daniel, et al. "“Inactive” ingredients in oral medications." Science translational medicine 11.483 (2019): eaau6753. 2. Rivera, Kara, and Kristen N. Gardner. "Managing requests for gluten-, lactose-, and animal-free medications." Current Psychiatry 16.10 (2017): 47-48. 3. Tatham, Kate C., and Kinesh P. Patel. "Suitability of common drugs for patients who avoid animal products." Bmj 348 (2014): g401. Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on Pill Clarity is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates. Transparent medical information is a fundamental human right— your support helps keep this vital service alive. Looking for certified and verified animal-free products? Browse animal-free products on our online marketplace ! Thank you for your awareness and concern for animal-derived ingredients! As a reminder, please comment on our   FDA Citizen Petition , requesting clear labeling of animal-derived ingredients in medications. Together, we can make a difference. If you have any further questions about ingredients in your medicines and supplements, feel free to  reach out to the Pill Clarity team ! #animalfree #vegan #vegancertification #vegetarian #vegetariancertification #certification #pillclarity #animalfreemeds #crueltyfree #medicine #veganmedicine #vegansupplements #vegancosmetics #veganmakeup #plantbasedcertification #plantbased #supplements #cosmetics #healthylifestyle #veganstore #veganproducts #crueltyfreeshop #crueltyfreeproducts #crueltyfreemedicine #veganessentials

"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt." - Charles M. Schultz Valentine's Day is dedicated to giving appreciation to our loved ones, from partners to family and friends. After all, the love we have in our lives makes every day richer, easier, and more fulfilling. The act of showing that appreciation to loved ones can be made more stressful when trying to celebrate an animal-free holiday. Animal-derived products incorporate themselves into everything from romantic candles and dinner to contraceptives and gifts. Pill Clarity has four "C" recommendations for you to show the animal-free lovers in your life that you care - chocolate, contraceptives, candles, and conservation! 1. Chocolate It's hard to find a person who does not enjoy chocolate. From sweet milk chocolate to bitter dark chocolate, the wide range of sweets has something for everyone. In the 1840s, Richard Cadbury refined his chocolate-making techniques and introduced the Victorian world to cocoa butter, which led to the creation of "eating chocolate." Cadbury quickly began to market his sweets with bright packaging and fancy ribbons, leading to the tradition of giving chocolates on Valentine's Day ( Butler, 2018 ). Trying to find animal-free and free trade chocolates can easily lead to standing in the candy aisle for 30 minutes. Fortunately, Dani here at Pill Clarity has (happily) done that research for you. She is a huge fan of Theo Chocolates based out of Seattle. Any of the varieties that are labeled "suitable for vegans" are fair game, and you can easily filter for vegan options on their website! Dani's favorite animal-free flavors are mint , cherry almond , and dark chocolate with sea salt . 2. Contraceptives The use of physical contraceptives dates back as far as tenth-century Persia. Pasiphae, the wife of King Minos, utilized a goat's bladder as a female condom "so that King Minos would not be able to harm her as his semen was said to contain “scorpions and serpents” that killed his mistresses ( Khan, Fahd, et. al., 2013 ). It wasn't until the 16th century that doctors began suggesting that diseases could be prevented by physical contraceptives, in the form of a lubricated linen or animal intestine condom ( Lieberman, 2017 ). While modern condoms are usually made from latex, most still contain animal products. Many condoms are processed using the milk protein casein and others are still made from ingredients derived from lamb intestines ( PETA, n.d. ). Luckily for you, Pill Clarity has curated a list of contraceptive products to keep you safe and animal-free in the bedroom. Click HERE to check out our contraceptive page. 3. Candles I'm sure you can picture it now...a wonderful, romantic, candle-lit dinner, or maybe a nice bubble bath with candle aromatherapy. No matter what the scene, there's something romantic about the flickering light of candles. Candles are most commonly made from animal fats in the form of stearic acid or beeswax. In an industry that doesn't list ingredients, it's even more difficult to find animal-free options! Luckily, there are alternatives, such as soy candles and coconut-based searic acid ( vegan.com, n.d. ). Here at Pill Clarity, Teresa regularly brings out soy candles to decorate the dinner table for special occasions - especially candles from EcoEarth . Not only do these soy wax candles have delicious scents, but the company is also dedicated to supporting conservation efforts and reducing plastic in the environment. If you're looking for a greater selection of fragrances, Octo London has you covered. All of Octo London's candles are vegan and hand-made. 4. Conservation Gifts Does your Valentine love stuffed animals? This Valentine's Day, go the extra mile! Don't just omit animal products...do something to help protect animals as well. Many conservation organizations include stuffed animals in their shops. The proceeds from these sales go directly to conservation efforts to protect animals and their environments. When you purchase a stuffed animal from World Wildlife Fund (WWF), you are symbolically adopting that animal. WWF works to partner with local communities to create a long-term solution to not only protect the animals and ecosystem, but set-up a mutually beneficial relationship with local communities as well. If you've ever visited a zoo, aquarium, or museum, you've probably seen a Wild Republic stuffed animal. Wild Republic specializes in creating products made from recycled, vegan materials to reduce waste. Wild Republic works with KMIT Solutions, The National Audubon Society , and Cornell Lab or Ornithology to support conservation organizations and improve conservation education. So there you have it! Pill Clarity's four "C's" for an animal-free Valentine's Day - chocolate, contraceptives, candles, and conservation! From the team here at Pill Clarity, have a fun, safe, and love-filled Valentine's Day! Thank you for doing your part to be animal-free! Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on Pill Clarity is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates. Transparent medical information is a fundamental human right— your support helps keep this vital service alive. Looking for certified and verified animal-free products? Browse animal-free products on our online marketplace ! Thank you for your awareness and concern for animal-derived ingredients! As a reminder, please comment on our   FDA Citizen Petition , requesting clear labeling of animal-derived ingredients in medications. Together, we can make a difference. If you have any further questions about ingredients in your medicines and supplements, feel free to  reach out to the Pill Clarity team ! #valentinesday #vegan #animalfree #veganproducts #veganshop #chocolate #veganchocolate #animalfreechocolate #healthylifestyle #contraceptives #vegancontraceptives #animalfreecontraceptives #condoms #vegancondoms #candles #soycandles #vegancandles #animalfreecandles #stuffedanimals #conservation #wwf #wildrepublic #kmitsolutions #sudubon #cornell #dessert #vegandessert #vegangifts #plantbased #schultz #peanuts #peanutscomic #snoopy

Every life matters, may that be human or animal, and we should not have to sacrifice either. It is no surprise that we use animal ingredients in medicines, but, as a result, many people refuse to take life-saving medications. We investigated this further to better understand people’s opinions about animal ingredients in medications. Below is the initial analysis of our market research. Want to add your voice? Click here to join our study! (and thanks to those who have participated) Survey Says... As seen from the graph, 3.6% of respondents refuse to take an animal-derived drug that would be considered crucial for survival , such as an EpiPen for fatal allergic reactions. It saddens us that this answer is not zero; nobody should be in a situation where they cannot take a life-saving medication because manufacturers chose to use animal-derived ingredients. Interestingly, 20.7% of respondents elected to not take an important cholesterol-lowering drug, such as Lipitor (atorvastatin) simply because it had animal-derived ingredients. Learn more about medications like atorvastatin on our blog "Is My Medication Vegan?" In another survey of 500 participants, 43.2% of respondents elected to not take a product with animal ingredients, even with no alternates available(1). This can easily turn into a very serious healthcare issue. Why are we so concerned? Statins are ranked number 1 out of the “Big Six Heart Medications,” according to the Cleveland Clinic . Statins lower the levels of cholesterol in the blood, especially low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Studies show that statins decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease by 24-37% (4). Additionally, 40-75% of patients above 65 years old struggle with medication adherence (5). Combining non-adherence with a relatively high percent of people not willing to take medications with animal-derived ingredients creates an incredible motivator for the medical community and pharmaceutical companies to manufacture medications that are animal-free! Between our data and the other research studies, there is clearly a net value for pharmaceutical companies and ingredient manufacturers to "Go Animal Free" and work towards eliminating animal-derived ingredients from their products. Replacing animal-derived products for animal-free alternatives is not as hard as you would think. For example, a common inactive ingredient, magnesium stearate, used as a lubricant in tablets and capsules, can be from a plant or animal source (palm oil or animal fats). We simply need to encourage the use of plant-based magnesium stearate and promote better labeling so that consumers can choose the plant-based option (7). How do we solve the problem? We can create more awareness about animal-derived ingredients in our medications and supplements and solve this issue by: Empowering patients to ask for animal-free medications...by the way, only 20.5% of vegetarians are asking (4) Educating physicians that certain medications can be made animal-free from compounding pharmacies (6) Engaging with the pharmaceutical industry to eliminate the use of animal-derived ingredients What can you do TODAY to help? We need your support and participation to build a community that fights for animal-free medications and supplements. You can join our cause in the following ways (for best results, do them all!) Subscribe to our webpage to get the latest updates on animal-free medications and news Follow us on social media (see the buttons at the top of the page!) Take our survey to add another voice to the animal-free army Learn more about animal-free medications and animal-derived ingredients on our blog With simple fixes, we believe that we CAN reinvent day-to-day medications to help vegans, vegetarians, and individuals with dietary restrictions comfortably use potentially life-saving medications. Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on Pill Clarity is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates. Transparent medical information is a fundamental human right— your support helps keep this vital service alive. Looking for certified and verified animal-free products? Browse animal-free products on our online marketplace ! Thank you for your awareness and concern for animal-derived ingredients! As a reminder, please comment on our   FDA Citizen Petition , requesting clear labeling of animal-derived ingredients in medications. Together, we can make a difference. If you have any further questions about ingredients in your medicines and supplements, feel free to  reach out to the Pill Clarity team ! Resources: Warburton H, Payne M, Payne S. The problems of gelatine and prescribing urologically specific medication to a diverse population in the UK. An initial study. British Journal of Medical and Surgical Urology. 2010;3(2):52-58. doi:10.1016/j.bjmsu.2009.10.005 The Big 6 Heart Medications. Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-big-six-heart-medications/ . Published 2019. Accessed September 24, 2019. Stein D, Devaraj S, Balis D, Adams-Huet B, Jialal I. Effect of Statin Therapy on Remnant Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels in Patients With Combined Hyperlipidemia. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2001;21(12):2026-2031. doi:10.1161/hq1201.100259 Stroes E. Statins and LDL‐cholesterol lowering: an overview. Curr Med Res Opin. 2005;21(sup6):S9-S16. doi:10.1185/030079905x59102 Salzman C. Medicine compliance in the elderly. J Clin Psych. 1995;56(suppl 1):18-22. Warburton H, Payne M, Payne S. The problems of gelatine and prescribing urologically specific medication to a diverse population in the UK. An initial study. British Journal of Medical and Surgical Urology. 2010;3(2):52-58. doi:10.1016/j.bjmsu.2009.10.005 Everything You Should Know About Magnesium Stearate. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/magnesium-stearate . Published 2019. Accessed September 2, 2019 #medications #adherence #avoidance #pharmacy #pharmaceutical #drugmanufcaturing #vegan #pillclarity #veganmedicine #plantbased #veganlife #healthylifestyle #lifesavingmeds #vegancertifications

The trend for a plant-based diet has risen by 600% in the US(1). While it is easy to find plant-based (vegan or vegetarian) food, when it comes to drugs, people often compromise. We performed our own investigation based on a list from U.S. News & World Report in collaboration with Pharmacy Times of the top Over-The-Counter (OTC) health products recommended by pharmacists in 2019(2). For now, we picked 5 popular categories and analyzed every ingredient as having a: Plant or synthetic origin Unknown origin (unable to determine if plant or animal derived) Animal origin To identify the source of the inactive ingredients in the products, we used dailymed.nlm.nih.gov , an official provider of FDA label information. Then, we utilized multiple sources such as the Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients 6th ed. (3), and online references such as doublecheckvegan.com(4), and veganpeace.com(5). Since some of these online references are not entirely validated, we also did some searching using our own pharmacy knowledge to determine the manufacturing process for each ingredient. While we cannot be entirely sure, this list is as complete and accurate as we can get without speaking directly with the manufacturers (which is not very easy) or performing lab testing (available via Pill Clarity). The findings were very interesting! Out of 12 products evaluated, 6 contained at least 1 animal derived ingredient. The remaining 6 were unknown, as the manufacturers do not necessarily disclose if they used a plant or animal derived ingredient. The table below describes the product and exact drug code, along with the ingredients so you can check for yourself! Source: All pictures are taken from DailyMed.(6) At least 50% of the products I looked at had ingredients from an animal source. However, they do not have to, as alternatives for those inactive ingredients already exist. In an analysis from the United Kingdom, nearly 60% of the most commonly prescribed products contained lactose (7). Another analysis from the UK suggested that gathering information about the origins of ingredients in medications needs much improvement. Many health care providers and patients are unknowingly prescribing and consuming animal derived ingredients. The lack of labeling and access to the manufacturing process for these drugs are unclear and challenging to find. The article stated how the European Union manufacturers are banned from describing this data, since diet is considered a “lifestyle choice”(7). Having only the excipients listed, but not the origin of the ingredients, makes it more difficult for patients to fit it into their dietary preferences. Learn more about inactive ingredients in medications on our blog . While finding vegan food is easy, changing your diet is quite hard! On the flip side, finding animal-free medicines is quite hard, but asking for it is easy! Except for a few rare exceptions, the medicine should work just the same and we wouldn’t even taste the change. We have contacted the pharmaceutical companies and done the research to help you find animal-free options. Check out some of our product recommendations: Sports Nutrition Pain Relief First Aid Feminine Hygiene Sunscreen Ashwagandha For anyone that cares about animal welfare or climate change, simply asking for the use of an animal-free ingredient will make the industry and world better! Make your voice heard by taking our survey ! Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on Pill Clarity is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates. Transparent medical information is a fundamental human right— your support helps keep this vital service alive. Looking for certified and verified animal-free products? Browse animal-free products on our online marketplace ! Thank you for your awareness and concern for animal-derived ingredients! As a reminder, please comment on our   FDA Citizen Petition , requesting clear labeling of animal-derived ingredients in medications. Together, we can make a difference. If you have any further questions about ingredients in your medicines and supplements, feel free to  reach out to the Pill Clarity team ! References: Oberst L. Why the Global Rise in Vegan and Plant-Based Eating Isn't A Fad (600% Increase in U.S. Vegans Other Astounding Stats). Food Revolution Network. https://foodrevolution.org/blog/vegan-statistics-global/ . Published January 18, 2018. Accessed September 2, 2019. Pharmacists' Picks: Top Recommended Health Products. U.S. News & World Report. https://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/pharmacists-picks-top-recommended-health-products . Accessed September 2, 2019. Sheskey PJ, Quinn ME. Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients. 6th ed. (Rowe RC, ed.). London: Pharmaceutical Press; 2009. Vegan Ingredient Checker. Double Check Vegan. https://doublecheckvegan.com/ . Accessed September 1, 2019. Ingredients. Vegan Peace. http://www.veganpeace.com/ingredients/ingredients.htm Sodium Hydroxide. Accessed September 1, 2019. DailyMed. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/ . Accessed September 1, 2019. Tatham KC, Patel KP. Suitability of common drugs for patients who avoid animal products. BMJ. 2014;348(Feb 4). doi:10.1136/bmj.g401. #OTC #medications #drugs #lactose #shellac #gelatin #lanolin #overthecounter #animalingredients #healthylifestyle #commonmeds #advil #delsym #zyrtec #sudafed #excedrin #peptobismol #colace #tums #osteobiflex #metamueil #midol #azo

Vegan and vegetarian patients may unknowingly be taking medications containing animal ingredients, warn researchers from Imperial College London For vegans and vegetarians, food labeling has improved considerably over the last few years. This has made it easier to follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. For most, however, it remains unclear what exactly is inside their medications. Through research published in the British Medical Journal, Dr Kinesh Patel and Dr Kate Tatham of the Department of Surgery and Cancer at Imperial College London, identified that most medications prescribed in primary care contain animal-derived ingredients. They call for improved labeling, like that on food, to help inform doctors, pharmacists and patients about the content of medicines. At Pill Clarity, formerly known as VeganMed, we strive to address the labeling confusion and make determining what's inside your medications simple and transparent. We aim to do this through a comprehensive medication search tool for patients and medical professionals, as well as the first Pharmacist-backed certification program. Learn more about our team on our Meet Our Experts page. We want to know how to help you best, so please Contact Us with any questions or requests you may have! We hope that one day it is as easy for individuals to understand the contents of their medications as it is their food products. Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on Pill Clarity is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates. Transparent medical information is a fundamental human right— your support helps keep this vital service alive. Looking for certified and verified animal-free products? Browse animal-free products on our online marketplace ! Thank you for your awareness and concern for animal-derived ingredients! As a reminder, please comment on our   FDA Citizen Petition , requesting clear labeling of animal-derived ingredients in medications. Together, we can make a difference. If you have any further questions about ingredients in your medicines and supplements, feel free to  reach out to the Pill Clarity team ! Research by Dr Kinesh Patel and Dr Kate Tatham of the Department of Surgery and Cancer at Imperial College London: https://www.bmj.com/content/348/bmj.g401 Based on article: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/141842/clearer-labels-needed-drugs-containing-animal/ #vegan #vegetarian #medications #drugs #labeling #animalingredients #pillclarity #BMJ #ImperialCollegeLondon #healthylifestyle #certification #vegandrugs #plantbasedmeds #veganmeds #vegansupplements #supplements

As of May 7, 2023, the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is no longer available in the United States. The latest COVID-19 vaccine to receive emergency use authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration belongs to Janssen (Johnson & Johnson). This game-changing viral vector vaccine only requires one dose and will greatly expand the availability of vaccines across the country. The FDA regulatory processes for new drug approval includes animal testing during the research phases. Unfortunately, no medication can be truly labeled as “vegan” because of this. The more appropriate labeling would be “animal-free” (i.e. products not containing any animal-derived ingredients). So yes, the J&J Vaccine is Animal Free. COVID Vaccine and Animal-Derived Ingredients Johnson and Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine does NOT contain any adjuvants, preservatives, human- or animal-derived ingredients. However, we have not worked with the company directly to independently certify that it is Animal-Free. If you would like Pill Clarity to certify the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, please “like” this post and leave a comment at the bottom. This is the only way for us to be certain that the vaccine is free from any animal-derived ingredients. Through your support, we can push for positive change in the pharmaceutical industry, such as reducing the use of animal-derived ingredients in medications. Remember, your health comes first! It’s important to remember that the COVID-19 vaccines will play a critical role in managing the pandemic and saving lives. At Pill Clarity, we believe that your health should always come first. In a previous blog post, we explained how that the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine contains bovine milk, which is an animal-derived ingredient, while the Moderna vaccine does not contain any animal-derived ingredients. Similar to the Moderna vaccine, the Johnson and Johnson vaccine does not contain any animal-derived ingredients either. Given the urgency of this pandemic and the limited supply of these vaccines, it is highly recommended to receive the vaccine that is offered to you rather than waiting for a more suitable option. A decision to avoid taking a medication or vaccine can be dangerous and all medical decisions should be made after seeking the guidance of your doctor. We stand behind the philosophy that veganism should be embraced as far as practically possible. What ingredients do the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine contain? Active Ingredient Recombinant, replication, incompetent Ad26 vector, encoding a stabilized variant of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein Inactive Ingredients Polysorbate-80 2-hydroxypropyl-B-cyclodextrin Citric acid monohydrate Trisodium citrate dihydrate Sodium chloride Sodium hydroxide Hydrochloric acid Ethanol Water for injection What are some common side effects of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine? At face value, it appears as if Johnson and Johnson’s vaccine has less side effects compared to Moderna’s and Pfizer’s vaccines as outlined here. However, it is important to note that adverse reaction rates from the three clinical trials cannot be directly compared due to the widely varying conditions among the three trials and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Can I track COVID-19 vaccine side effects? The CDC has launched V-safe, an app that uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized check-ins after you receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Through V-safe, you can report to the CDC any side effects you may be experiencing after getting the vaccine. Depending on your answers, someone from CDC may even call you for more information. This is a great way for you to contribute to the safe deployment of the vaccine! Can the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine be used to complete a vaccination series initiated with another COVID-19 vaccine? No, there is no data available to support this scenario. Are there any developments towards vegan medications? It is unfortunate that medications require animal testing during the research phases. However, we are encouraged by new developments in alternatives to animal testing. These include in vitro methods and computer simulation models. Although we still have a way to go before we can eliminate animal testing for good, it's important that we continue to work together as a community to advocate for change. Through collectively voicing our concerns with regulators, pharmaceutical companies and medical leaders, we believe there is a path towards positive change. Ingredients within medications are notoriously complicated to understand. Even as pharmacists, we can find it challenging! So what about animal-derived ingredients? We believe it should be easier to determine if your medications are animal-free and that's why we created Pill Clarity. We aim to provide much needed transparency to consumers and to help create a world where medications are completely free from animal-derived ingredients. Importantly, medical bodies are starting to listen. We recently wrote about new recommendations from the American Medical Association (AMA) urging manufacturers for better labeling of animal-derived ingredients and encouraging better cultural awareness regarding patient preferences. We are also encouraged by the efforts of companies like iBio CDMO, who are providing unique plant-based manufacturing methodologies. References Janssen. JANSSEN COVID-19 Vaccine [package insert]. U.S. Food and Drug Administration website. https://www.janssenlabels.com/emergency-use-authorization/Janssen+COVID-19+Vaccine-HCP-fact-sheet.pdf. Revised February 27, 2021. Janssen. JANSSEN COVID-19 Vaccine [fact sheet]. U.S. Food and Drug Administration website. https://www.fda.gov/media/146305/download. Revised February 27, 2021. Janssen. JANSSEN COVID-19 Vaccine (Johnson & Johnson) Vaccine Preparation and Administration Summary. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/janssen/downloads/Janssen-Prep-and-Admin-Summary.pdf. Revised March 6, 2021. Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on Pill Clarity is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates. Transparent medical information is a fundamental human right—your support helps keep this vital service alive. Looking for certified and verified animal-free products? Browse animal-free products on our online marketplace! Thank you for your awareness and concern for animal-derived ingredients! As a reminder, please comment on our FDA Citizen Petition, requesting clear labeling of animal-derived ingredients in medications. Together, we can make a difference. If you have any further questions about ingredients in your medicines and supplements, feel free to reach out to the Pill Clarity team! #GoAnimalFree #vaccine #COVID19 #ThisIsOurShot #ArmedAgainstCOVID #janssen