Starting to Take Medication Before Shabbat | Sheilot

Starting to Take Medication Before Shabbat

Question

Dear Rabbi,
I need to start taking a regular medication every night.
If I start on Thursday night, may I continue taking it on Friday night, on Shabbat,
or should I begin the treatment after Shabbat ends?

Answer

Shalom u’vrachah. 

If you are classified as “ill,” it is permitted to begin taking it even on Shabbat. 

If you are not classified as “ill,” you should begin after Shabbat; and after you have begun taking it on a regular basis, it will be permitted for you to take it on Shabbat as well. 

Answered 18 June 2026 How answers are reviewed
Rabbi Israel Cohen
Answered by
Answers questions at Rav Amram Fried's Beit Horaah
Smicha "Yoreh-Yoreh" (2012), Rav Amram Fried's Beit Horaah
Orach Chaim, Yoreh Deah
About the Rabbi

Comments

Have an additional question on this topic or need clarification? Leave your comment below. (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)

Please sign up or log in to submit your comment