Animals and medicine

[Mateo3112]

What do vegans think of medicine. As it turns out, a lot of medicine contains animal products (I looked for a list and apparently some contain lactose, gelatin, shellac (Insects are animals too), and magnesium stearate). Not only that but some phills had to first be tested on animals in order to be aproved for general consumption.
Is it even possible to be completely vegan taking that into account? Everyone has to take medication at least once in their life.

[brimstoneSalad]

All medication is inherently vegan if you need it. Veganism is about avoiding harm to animals where possible and practicable: It is not practicable to avoid medicine, that's a survival issue.

[Red]

It's all a matter of needs, not wants.

[brimstoneSalad]

Also, if you're stranded on a deserted island, you may need to eat fish -- or even eat your friend with whom you were stranded. Both vegan in that context, when there aren't other options.

[Jaywalker]

Medicine already in the market is vegan, but are you saying animal testing of new medicine is justified? It's the survival of some humans vs the survival of possibly a higher number of animals. It's also not only about their survival, so not exactly comparable. The animals may have to experience horrific events, whereas humans have tools to alleviate their suffering during a terminal illness, in the forms of existing drugs or support by loved ones, having the option of euthanasia, etc.

[Jaywalker]

Didn't see the other thread about this. >.<