Ramadan and health resources

Kelly Grindrod, a professor in the ��ݮ��Ƶ School of Pharmacy, led the development of Ramadan resources for health care practitioners that cover a range of health concerns. She believes that pharmacists may be able to accommodate fasting patients with thoughtful medication management. Pharmacists can suggest adjustments for medications that should be taken several times a day or are affected by food and drink intake. They may also consider adjusting the timing for once-daily medications.

Healthcare provider resources

Information on Ramadan and medications can be found here:

(behind a paywall; available to those with JAMA access)

General resources

Below is a helpful website on staying healthy while fasting.

"Often patients with chronic conditions choose to fast for Ramadan even though they are exempt. We want to encourage both health care providers and patients to have open discussions about Ramadan and the impact it can have on their health."

Wasem Alsabbagh, a pharmacist and professor in the ��ݮ��Ƶ School of Pharmacy

Frequently Asked Questions

We sat down with professor Dr. Kelly Grindrod, who led the development of Ramadan resources for health care practitioners, to answer some frequently asked questions about medication taking during Ramadan. We also heard from our PharmD student Qamar Mobayed (Rx2026) about how she implemented Ramadan resources during her co-op work term.

Can I take my medications during Ramadan?

Most oral medication doses can be adjusted to be taken before or after fasting. Inhaled and injected medications are generally allowed during the fasting period as they are not ingested.

Do I need to have my doses adjusted?

Many oral medications are easy to adjust to another time of the day. Common examples include blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and antidepressant medicines. Medications that are more difficult to adjust include medications that require multiple doses per day, such as with Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain, and seizure. People who have health-related barriers, including those who are pregnant or menstruating, may be exempted from fasting.

How can I take medications to fit around fasting hours?

Many medications can be adjusted to be taken in the morning before the fast begins, or in the evening after the fast is broken. Caution with certain medications though, such as diabetes medications, that can cause low blood sugar. Patients with serious chronic diseases should always consult their healthcare providers to discuss the safest strategy for honour the month of Ramadan.

When Ramadan ends should I re-adjust my medications again?

Yes, typically medication schedules will return to pre-Ramadan timing. It is helpful to work with a pharmacist or physician to adjust the timing of medications, both for Ramadan fasting and for after the month of Ramadan is over.

How else can my pharmacist help me?

Pharmacists are learning more about Ramadan fasting. They may want to ask questions as well to learn how patients honour Ramadan and can offer advice for adjusting the timing of medicines. Pharmacists can also offer reassurance around medicines that do not need to be adjusted, such as inhalers, nasal sprays, injectable drugs, and topical agents like skin and vaginal creams.

From our student Qamar Mobayed (Rx2026)

As a pharmacy student starting my first co-op work term, I was keen on enriching my experience by contributing something meaningful to both the workplace and my colleagues. With Ramadan coinciding with my co-op work term, I seized the opportunity to promote diversity, inclusivity, and awareness surrounding Ramadan. Just days before Ramadan began, I arranged a display in our staff lunchroom, with informational materials and date fruits for everyone to enjoy. This sparked engaging conversations and curiosity among my colleagues, fostering a more inclusive environment as we approached Ramadan!

While working in the pharmacy, patients inquire about medication adjustments and fasting. As healthcare professionals, advocating for our patients with diverse health needs starts within our workplace. This experience emphasized the significance of inclusive team dynamics in ensuring optimal patient care within our diverse community.

Ramadan and health discussed at ��ݮ��Ƶ Pharmacy public lecture

May 2017

On May 16, ��ݮ��Ƶ Pharmacy hosted a public lecture on Ramadan and health, inviting those who celebrate Ramadan and those who provide healthcare services to learn how the religious celebration can impact health. The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins at the end of May this year. Approximately 4% of people in ��ݮ��Ƶ Region are Muslims and most of them will observe Ramadan at this time.

Professor Wasem Alsabbagh began the lecture by describing what Ramadan is and the various ways it affects health. Ramadan is a time of charity, prayer, and fasting for Muslims. Fasting takes place between Suhoor, the morning meal that occurs before sunrise, and Iftar, the evening meal which occurs after sunset. Ramadan’s timing varies depending on the lunar calendar, and when it falls in the summer the fast can last as long as 17 hours.

During this time, participants abstain from consuming anything orally. This includes medications that have to be swallowed. Professor Alsabbagh and family physician Mohamed Alarakhia addressed this concern, telling the audience that medications can be adjusted to accommodate fasting. They also stressed that children and those who are sick, pregnant, menstruating, or travelling are exempt from fasting. However, Ramadan is a tradition that is dear to many, and participants may choose to fast even if they fit in one of these categories.

The speakers suggested that people observing Ramadan have a discussion with their pharmacist or primary-care provider before the holy month begins. Bearing in mind the principle of “first, do no harm,” they can have open conversations about if fasting is the safest choice or if it is safer that participants observe in other ways, such as offering charity or moving the fast to a time of year when the fasting period is shorter.

Following Alsabbagh and Alarakhia, Professor Kelly Grindrod and Dietetic Intern Brittaney Berendsen shared a variety of resources. Berendsen developed a nutrition infographic and summarized optimal meal plans for Suhoor,��Iftar, and the other snacking opportunities participants have. Grindrod expanded on the services pharmacists in particular can offer to accommodate fasting patients.