1. We mentioned yesterday that according to most poskim, one may take antibiotics or another series of medications on Shabbat, even for a minor illness, if they must be taken for at least seven days. One may then take them on Shabbat even after one has already begun to get better, since as mentioned, discontinuing it could cause more serious complications. Some poskim are more lenient than this and permit taking antibiotics on Shabbat even if the treatment will only last for 4-5 days, and one could arrange to take it in such a way that it is not needed to take it on Shabbat. This is based on a number of other lenient factors, such as that it can be assumed one will grind the medicine before Shabbat where it is needed for a series of days (R. Elyashiv, Kovetz Teshuvot 1:40; Peninei Halachah 28:6).

2. Some poskim permit beginning treatment of a mild illness on Shabbat, even if one could wait another day and start on Sunday (R. Mordechai Eliyahu, Kol Eliyahu 24:18; R. Mordechai Wilig, Am Mordechai, Shabbat 34). Poskim also permit taking infertility medication or birth control pills on Shabbat, especially if they must be taken at the same time every day (Peninei Halacha 28:6; Halachos of Refuah, p.339). Prenatal vitamins would also be permitted. (https://www.star-k.org/articles/kashrus-kurrents/452/medications-vitamins-supplements)

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.