Most medications will not disqualify you from donating blood, as long as the condition they are prescribed for is under control and you are healthy. However, there are some medications that can make it unsafe for you to donate blood or harm the person receiving the blood. The following medications may temporarily or permanently disqualify you from donating blood:
- Accutane, Amnesteem, Absorica, Claravis, Myorisan, Sotret or Zenatane (isotretinoin)
- Proscar (finasteride) and Propecia (finasteride)
- Avodart or Jalyn (dutasteride)
- Soriatane (acitretin) and Tegison (etretinate)
- Anti-platelet medications
- Blood thinners (such as Coumadin, Heparin, Lovenox, Warfarin)
- Bovine insulin
- Hepatitis B Immune Globulin
- Human-derived growth hormones
- Injectable HIV Prevention (PrEP and PEP) medications – Apretude (cabotegravir)
- Unlicensed vaccines (usually associated with research)
If you are taking antibiotics, you are eligible to donate 24 hours after your last dose. If you have a history of bleeding problems or your blood does not clot normally, you cannot donate blood since you may have excessive bleeding where the needle was placed. For the same reason, do not donate if you are taking any "blood thinner".
Its important to note that you should never stop taking prescribed medications in order to donate blood. If you are unsure about your eligibility to donate blood due to a medication you are taking, you can call the blood donation center to inquire about your specific medical conditions or medications.
