Based on FDA | Do fluoxetine capsules contain pork-derived gelatin or any other pork ingredients?

Fluoxetine capsules and pork-derived ingredients: what to know

• Most fluoxetine capsules list “gelatin” as part of the capsule shell or softgel components, but the official labels do not specify the animal source. ^{[1] [2]}
• Gelatin used in pharmaceuticals is commonly sourced from animal collagen (typically bovine or porcine), and unless a label explicitly states “vegetarian,” “bovine only,” “halal,” or “kosher,” the source is not guaranteed and may include pork. ^[3]

What official labels say

• Some fluoxetine capsule products list inactive ingredients that include gelatin, glycerol, medium‑chain triglycerides, soy lecithin, soybean oil, yellow beeswax, and colorants/inks; “gelatin” is present but no species origin is given. ^[1]
• Other fluoxetine capsule labels describe “components of the gelatin capsule include gelatin … and titanium dioxide,” again without naming bovine vs. porcine origin. ^[2]

Key point: Official fluoxetine capsule labels confirm the presence of gelatin in the capsule shell but do not identify whether it is pork‑derived. ^{[1] [2]}

Does “gelatin” mean pork by default?

• Pharmaceutical gelatin is generally animal‑derived and can come from porcine (pork) or bovine (cow) sources; routine labels often omit the exact source. ^[3]
• Because the source is not specified on most fluoxetine labels, users who avoid pork for religious, ethical, or dietary reasons should treat unspecified “gelatin” as potentially porcine. ^[3]

Are there pork‑free options?

• Fluoxetine also comes in tablet formulations in some markets and manufacturers; tablets often avoid gelatin entirely, relying on cellulose or other excipients instead, though availability varies by brand and region. (Check local product information and pharmacy stock.)
• Some manufacturers may produce gelatin‑free capsules (e.g., hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/“HPMC” vegetable capsules) or specify bovine‑only or certified halal/kosher gelatin, but this must be confirmed at the product level because standard fluoxetine capsule labels do not guarantee this.
• If you require pork‑free medication, a practical approach is to ask the pharmacist to identify a fluoxetine product with a tablet dosage form or a capsule with confirmed non‑porcine (e.g., bovine or plant‑based) shell, or to consider alternative SSRIs that are available as tablets.

How to verify your specific product

• Check the exact manufacturer and National Drug Code (NDC) on your bottle, then review the product’s official label for excipients; if “gelatin” is listed without a source, assume animal‑derived and contact the manufacturer for a written confirmation of bovine vs. porcine vs. plant origin.
• Pharmacists can often access supplier databases or contact manufacturers directly to confirm the gelatin source for a specific lot, which is important because excipient suppliers can change over time.

Bottom line

• Based on official labels, many fluoxetine capsules do contain gelatin, and the animal source (bovine vs. porcine) is usually not disclosed. ^{[1] [2]}
• Because gelatin in medicines is commonly animal‑derived and can include pork, fluoxetine capsules cannot be presumed pork‑free unless the manufacturer confirms otherwise. ^[3]
• If avoiding pork is essential, consider a verified gelatin‑free formulation (such as a tablet where available) or obtain manufacturer confirmation for a capsule that uses non‑porcine or plant‑based shells.

Representative label excerpts

• “Inactive ingredients include … gelatin, glycerol … medium chain triglycerides … soy lecithin … soybean oil … yellow beeswax …” (gelatin present; source not specified). ^[1]
• “Components of the gelatin capsule include gelatin … sodium lauryl sulphate and titanium dioxide …” (gelatin present; source not specified). ^[2]
• “Many … drugs contain the excipient gelatin which is, universally, of animal origin,” underscoring that capsule gelatin is typically from animal sources unless otherwise specified. ^[3]