For example, you can donate platelets every 7 days for up to 24 times a year, and you need to be at least 17 years old. Its taken from your arm, but it goes to a centrifuge machine that spins fast to separate plasma from the rest of the blood and then return the blood back to your body. Certain medications may delay your ability to donate blood. Wait for 3 days after having oral surgery. So, if you are currently taking medication and want to know if you can give blood, check the top 40 acceptable and unacceptable medications first. Wait at least 16 weeks between Power Red (automated) donations. FAMCICLO; VAL; ACYCLOVIR/VARICELLA; ZOSTER LIVE VACCINE. Discuss your particular situation with your personal healthcare provider and the health historian at the time of donation. Do not give blood if you have AIDS or have ever had a positive HIV test, or if you have done something that puts you at risk for becoming infected with HIV. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For example, if you take aspirin products on Monday, the soonest you can donate platelets is Thursday. Thalomid (thalidomide capsule). Valacyclovir is used to treat infections caused by herpes and varicella-zoster viruses, such as genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox. Those who have had infection with Babesiosis can donate if it has been 2 years or more since the diagnosis or positive test if donating in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin or Washington, D.C. The blood drives and the blood donor locations on Mayo Clinic's campuses in Jacksonville, Florida, and Rochester, Minnesota, make it easy and convenient to donate blood. Activity against HSV is greater than activity against VZV. In many cases, the answer is. Then, your red blood cells are put back into your blood along with a saline solution. An additional waiting period of 3 years is required if you have traveled to an area where malaria is found if you have not lived a consecutive 3 years in a country or countries where malaria is not found. These viruses cause illnesses such as cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles. Acceptable if you were vaccinated for influenza, pneumonia, tetanus or meningitis, providing you are symptom-free and fever-free. Yes. If youve taken them in the past, you can never donate blood: The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Some medications affect your eligibility as a blood donor, for the following reasons: Experimental Medication or Unlicensed (Experimental) Vaccine is usually associated with a research study, and the effect on the safety of transfused blood is unknown. Youve been exposed to hepatitis B or received hepatitis B immune globulin, or, Youve taken experimental medications or vaccines as part of a clinical trial, Growth hormone from human pituitary gland, Insulin from cows (known as bovine insulin) that came from the United Kingdom. There are more than 100 types of HPV, and many of them are spread during oral, anal, or genital sex. Arava (leflunomide),Erivedge (vismodegib) and Odomzo (sonidegib) wait 2 years. If you have traveled outside of the United States and Canada, your travel destinations will be reviewed at the time of donation. Acceptable as long as your pulse is no more than 100 and no less than 50. View complete list of side effects. Resistant strains of HSV and VZV have been reported. Finasteride and dutasteride Proscar and Propecia are both brand-name medications that contain finasteride. Wait at least 6 months after a change in your heart condition that resulted in a change to your medications. If you have recurring cold sores, initiate treatment as soon as possible following the onset of symptoms (tingling, burning, or itching). Acceptable as long as the instruments used were single-use equipment and disposable (which means both the gun and the earring cassette were disposable). Brilinta vs Plavix: what's the difference? It's common to be nervous about donating blood if you've never done it before. In some countries, regular donors over the age of 65 may be accepted at the discretion of the responsible physician. Available for Android and iOS devices. This results in concentrations in the body that are comparable to those achieved with IV acyclovir. But a 2019 study of HPV in rabbits and mice called this into question. Wait until finishing antibiotics for a dental infection. Your gift enables the Red Cross to ensure an ongoing blood supply, provide humanitarian support to families in need and prepare communities by teaching lifesaving skills. This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis and HIV. You can also help peoplefacing emergencies bymaking a financial donationto support the Red Crosss greatest needs. If you have signs or symptoms of hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) caused by a virus, or unexplained jaundice (yellow discoloration of the skin), you are not eligible to donate blood. It is not necessarily surgery but the underlying condition that precipitated the surgery that requires evaluation before donation. How often you can donate blood depends on a variety of factors, including the type of blood donation you want to, During a plasma transfusion, the liquid component of a donor's blood is put into another person's bloodstream to increase the blood's volume and, Receiving a blood transfusion from a donor who has been vaccinated for COVID-19 is safe. You may also search eligibility topics by keyword. Did you leave the city or resort at any time? And even if HPV is spread through a donation, it may not be a type thats dangerous, or it could be a type thatll eventually go away on its own. In some states, you can donate blood if you are 16 years old and have parental consent. IF you plan to donate in any other state, call 1-800-RED CROSS for more information. Wait at least 8 weeks between whole blood (standard) donations. If youve had COVID-19 and want to give convalescent plasma, the rules are a bit different. Individualson oral contraceptives or using other forms of birth control are eligible to donate. Get in touch with a local organization like a nonprofit or charity that coordinates blood donations in your area. This content does not have an Arabic version. Those who have tested positive for COIVD-19 antibodies but didn't have a diagnostic test and never developed symptoms can donate without a waiting period or having a diagnostic test done before donation. Age. Valacyclovir treatment is best started within 24 hours of symptom onset (ie, rash, blisters, tingling, burning). Revision date: March 30, 2022. prednisone, acyclovir, Valtrex, Zovirax, Deltasone, lysine, tetracaine topical, benzocaine topical, famciclovir, valganciclovir. This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis. Forgot to report any important health information, Have signs and symptoms of an illness several days after your blood donation, Are diagnosed with COVID-19 within 48 hours after donating blood. Also exhibits activity against other viruses that do not code for this enzyme. The blood you donate will be tested for bloodborne diseases, such as hepatitis and HIV. The cycle is repeated a few times till enough plasma is collected. Traditionally, its been thought that you can still donate blood if you have HPV as long as you dont have an active infection, as the virus is believed to be transmitted only through direct skin-to-skin contact or sex. Blood donation is a simple act that can save lives. Malaria is transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes found in certain countries and can be transmitted to patients through blood transfusion. Wait 21 days after immunization for hepatitis B as long as you are not given the immunization for exposure to hepatitis B. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Considervolunteeringorhosting a blood drivethrough the Red Cross. If youre thinking about donating your blood but you just got the COVID-19 vaccine or are planning to get it soon, there are few things you need to keep in mind before you give. (This may vary based on your height. Every 15 seconds, someone in the United States needs platelets. Acceptable if you were vaccinated with SHINGRIX (shingles vaccine) providing you are symptom-free and fever-free. These high-risk groups include: Your medical record is viewed only as needed by Mayo Clinic Blood Program nurses and physicians. HIV treatment also known as antiretroviral therapy (ART) at any time - you are not eligible to donate blood. If you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility to donate blood, contact your donation center. Come prepared to your donation process with your travel details when you donate. Canadian standards for blood donation dictates that 17 is the earliest age at which you can donate blood. Learn how blood donations help those affected by Sickle Cell Disease. In Florida you can donate whole blood every 56 days, at minimum. Learn how blood donations help those affected by Sickle Cell Disease. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. You'll have to wait to donate for two to four weeks after being vaccinated for chickenpox, measles, mumps, rubella or smallpox, or receiving the oral polio vaccine. Donors must have the consent of a parent or guardian and weigh at least 110 pounds (about 50 kilograms). In order to donate blood, a woman must have a hemoglobin level of at least 12.5 g/dL, and a man must have a hemoglobin level of at least 13.0 g/dL. It is not on their list of medicines that you are unable to donate if you take. Platelet donors may donate as often as every eight days, and up to 24 times in a 12-month period. Whole blood donation takes about 45-60 minutes. This makes it more convenient for people to take. There are plenty of other caveats to donating blood, even if a condition or lifestyle choice doesnt seem like it should have any impact on how safe or healthy your blood is. Valacyclovir belongs to the group of medicines known as antivirals. You must wait 3 days after taking Effient (prasugrel) before donating platelets by apheresis. But the benefits of donating blood arent, Discover whether you can donate blood if you have a tattoo. Please tell us if you: DO NOT discontinue medications prescribed or recommended by your physicians in order to donate blood. But you cant donate them at a blood drive because a special machine is used to remove just the platelets and return the remaining blood back to your body. You'll receive a brief physical, which includes checking your temperature, blood pressure and pulse. Wait 3 months after the last dose of any oral medications taken to prevent HIV infection [also known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)]- Truvada (Tenofovir), Descovy (emtricitabine), Tivicay (dolutegravir) and Isentress (raltegravir) are oral medications given for exposure to HIV. Blood is a lot more complex than it looks. In most cases, you can still donate blood after getting a COVID-19 vaccine if you are symptom-free and feeling well at the time of your donation. Antibiotic by injection for an infection acceptable 10 days after last injection. In Florida you can donate whole blood every 56 days, at minimum. Even if you can't donate now, you may be able to do so in the future. If your blood does not clot normally, you can not donate since you may have excessive bleeding where the needle was placed. This requirement is related to concerns about the brain disease, Creutzfeld-Jacob Disease (CJD). If you have a shingles rash or a cold sore, try and keep it as clean and dry as possible. If you're in good health and meet the general eligibility criteria, then you are likely able to give blood. Cladel NM, et al. Acyclovir also passes into breastmilk. Wait 6 weeks after giving birth. Be in good health, feeling well, and not taking antibiotics. Donation is acceptable after routine teeth cleaning or dental work. Persons on these drugs have waiting periods following their last dose before they can donate blood: Unable to Give Blood? Discuss any upper weight limitations of beds and lounges with your local health historian. There are some restrictions on who can donate blood, and you may be wondering can I donate blood if I'm taking medication? Donated platelets can be stored for use for as long as five days. Allergy, Stuffy Nose, Itchy Eyes, Dry Cough. Medications for high blood pressure do not disqualify you from donating. sore throat, cough, runny nose or diarrhoea for at least 1 week. The following tables list common medications that may prevent you from donating, at least temporarily. According to the eligibility guidelines set by the FDA, if you qualify to donate. Dont donate until its been at least 48 hours since youve finished taking any antiviral treatment. Washington, D.C. 20201. If your doctor discontinues your treatment with blood thinners, wait 7 days before returning to donate. Evaluation is on a case by case basis. Valacyclovir is not a cure for genital herpes or herpes labialis (cold sores). You have not donated blood in the past 56 days. It may help to not watch the needle as it is inserted, and you don't have to see the blood. Just as with blood donation, you dont have to wait to give platelets or plasma after youve had your COVID-19 vaccine as long as you know the vaccine manufacturer. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Our scientists pursue every aspect of cancer researchfrom exploring the biology of genes and cells, to developing immune-based treatments, uncovering the causes of metastasis, and more. Look to see if another organization near you does blood donations. For the purposes of blood donation gender is self-identified and self-reported, which is relevant to the transgender community. Diabetics who are well controlled on insulin or oral medications are eligible to donate. Donated blood benefits people in local hospitals who need blood transfusions. Those with sickle cell disease are not eligible to donate. Highly selective for thymidine kinase encoded by HSV and VZV viruses which converts acyclovir to acyclovir monophosphate, which is then converted to the diphosphate, then to the active triphosphate. Other types of cancer are acceptable if the cancer has been treated successfully and it has been more than 12 months since treatment was completed and there has been no cancer recurrence in this time. As long as the condition is under control and you are healthy, blood donation is usually permitted. Wait 3 months after being treated for syphilis or gonorrhea. Talk to your doctor or get in touch with a local blood bank, hospital, or nonprofit that has expertise in this area. By starting to give when you are young and donating throughout your life, you may save thousands of lives. More information about the FDA policy is available for LGBTQ+ donors. Wait 2 weeks after immunizations for Red Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Polio (by mouth), and Yellow Fever vaccine. According to the general blood donation criteria, donors must: be at least 16 years of age. Antiplatelet drugs affect how platelets work. You must also wait a year to donate blood if: The following drugs are no longer available in the United States. hepatitis B medications, such as entecavir, some vaccinations, such as varicella virus or zoster virus vaccine, NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, or naproxen, warfarin, an anticoagulant (blood thinner). First-time male donors may be eligible to donate blood if they have not had sex with another man in more than 3 months. Finasteride products also treat hair loss. Wait at least 6 months after bypass surgery or angioplasty. The inventory of donated blood must be constantly replenished. Currently, the only states that DO NOT regulate tattoo facilities are: District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah and Wyoming. Consider volunteering,or hosting a blood drivethrough the Red Cross. Before donating, eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water. Effient (prasugrel) and Brilinta (ticagrelor) no waiting period for donating whole blood. However, you must be off of aspirin for at least 2 full days in order to donate platelets by apheresis. Will Giving Blood Reduce My COVID-19 Antibodies? If you ever received a dura mater (brain covering) transplant you are not eligible to donate. The Food and Drug Administration suggests waiting to donate blood for at least 14 days after a positive diagnostic test for COVID-19 without symptoms or for at least 14 days after symptoms of COVID-19 have completely cleared up. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Individuals with low blood volumes may not tolerate the removal of the required volume of blood given with whole blood donation. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. The site is secure. Medically reviewed by Sally Chao, MD. Elderly people may be more sensitive to some of the side effects of valacyclovir. If you are taking valacyclovir for genital herpes or cold sores avoid sexual contact until you have finished the course of treatment. 16 year-old donors, however, must present a signed permission form from their parent or a guardian before the blood donation. Before donation, a parent or guardian must review and sign the following form to allow an eligible 16-year-old to donate: These required donation forms are available by any one of the following means: To donate blood, you must weigh at least 110 pounds (about 50 kilograms) and be at least 16 or 17 years old, depending on the law in your state. "Those antibodies remain in your blood and they are also in other parts of your body as . Our highly-specialized educational programs shape leaders to be at the forefront of cancer care and research. Blood volume is determined by body weight and height. You can also help peoplefacing emergencies by making a financial donationto support the Red Crosss greatest needs. Convalescent plasma contains antibodies that your body builds after a viral infection to fight off the illness. Before you donate blood, you must sign an Authorization to Release Protected Health Information. These drugs are used to treat or prevent blood clots and prevent strokes. When you come to donate blood at the American Red Cross, we measure your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and hemoglobin because the results provide information about your current health at the time of your donation. During the appointment, donors will complete a brief health questionnaire with a Mayo Clinic health care professional to make sure blood donation is safe for both the donor and the recipient of the blood. If the underlying condition was treated, most sites will require you to wait 24 to 48 hours after completing the course of antibiotics before donating. If you have any other questions or concerns regarding donation, call the NIH Blood Bank at (301) 496-1048. Taking antibiotics to control acne does not disqualify you from donating. If you have a temperature above 99.5 F, you can not donate. The whole process may take 3 hours. Stress, nutrition, illness, hydration, weight, activity, environment and even consumption of certain ingredients (for example, salt or caffeine) can affect the results of the physical exam. If you take these drugs and donate blood, you may experience excessive bleeding and bruising. Dont donate plasma if any lesions or sores are actively infected. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This is because the antibodies you develop from the viral infection are different from those you develop after youve had the vaccine. This content does not have an English version. The Blood Donor Program welcomes regular and repeat healthy donors so that it has a steady blood supply for people in need. If you've recently gotten a tattoo, traveled abroad or take medications . You can download thetravel form and bring it with you to help in the assessment of your travel. This includes work release programs and weekend incarceration. While oral birth control pills,. If you meet all eligibility criteria below, please schedule your appointment today to transform the lives of patients in need. Data suggests valacyclovir is most effective if started within this time. When you donate blood, you're helping others and giving back to your community. We avoid using tertiary references. If you plan to donate blood, its important to know that theres no risk of getting the COVID-19 infection from the procedure. Persons who are pregnant are not eligible to donate. During apheresis you're hooked up to a machine that collects and separates blood components and returns unused components to you. Best started within 24-48 hours of symptom onset. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. Not have had a fever in the last 4 weeks. Headaches, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are the most commonly reported side effects. Separate requirements for hemoglobin level apply for Power Red. Not have taken medication, herbal supplements or traditional herbal remedies for at least 3 days. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. Medically reviewed by Carmen Fookes, BPharm. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Acceptable if you meet all eligibility criteria and donation intervals. Not have had any symptoms of infection e.g. Treatment for cold sores should not exceed one day. If you're taking antibiotics, you must complete the course before donating. Rarely, may cause side effects such as agitation, hallucinations, confusion, or seizures. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. But there are a few precautions you should keep in mind. Considervolunteeringorhosting a blood drivethrough the Red Cross. Some states allow legal minors to donate with parental permission. See "Blood Pressure, High" section above. Discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation. What foods should I eat or avoid when taking Brilinta? If you've had a COVID-19 vaccination, discuss your eligibility for donating blood with center staff. Donors who have undergone acupuncture treatments are acceptable. Most common medications, such as ones used to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or depression are all ok. Read more about the national blood shortage. Tested positive for COVID-19 with or without symptoms in the last 14 days, Had COVID-19 symptoms in the last 14 days, Weigh at least 110 pounds. An official website of the United States government. If you have active tuberculosis or are being treated for active tuberculosis you can not donate. Wait at least 7 days between platelet (pheresis) donations. With this limit in mind, many people with high blood pressure will still be able to donate blood, because high . 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Wait 3 months after returning from a trip to an area where malaria is found. Blood donations are not tested for malaria because there is no sensitive blood test available for malaria. Your gift enables the Red Cross to ensure an ongoing blood supply, provide humanitarian support to families in need and prepare communities by teaching lifesaving skills. The .gov means its official. But if youve had the COVID-19 vaccine, the FDA allows you to give convalescent plasma only within 6 months of your initial COVID-19 infection. Some people are at high risk of bloodborne infections, which makes them ineligible to donate blood. If your doctor discontinues your treatment with these blood thinners, wait 2 days before returning to donate. Plasma is a component of your blood. Consult your healthcare professional (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) for more in formation. You must weigh at least 110 lbs to be eligible for blood donation for your own safety. Still not sure if you can donate blood because of another limitation or condition? Acceptable as long as you feel well when you come to donate, and your blood pressure is at least 90/50 (systolic/diastolic). The Red Cross does not diagnose medical conditions or offer treatment. Talk with your health care provider before starting or stopping any medications. OneBlood welcomes blood donations from donors 16 years old and older. October 2021. Lets get into when you can donate with specific conditions or other health concerns, when you cant donate blood, and where to go if youre in the clear to donate. Double red cell donation takes about 30 minutes longer than a whole blood donation. Donated blood helps meet many medical needs, including those of people who have lost blood due to trauma, an organ transplant or other major surgery, as well as those who cannot make enough blood on their own due to illness or treatment. There are a handful of drugs that are of special significance in blood donation. Discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation. Common reasons include: If youre planning to donate blood but youre not sure if youre healthy enough, ask your doctor. Anyone who has taken the psoriasis medication etretinate (Tegison), which has been discontinued in the U.S. See your doctor to get tested for herpes and other common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially if youve recently had sex with a new partner. Before donating: A person can find blood donation services by searching online for nearby centers or using an online locator . Eligible 16- and 17-year-old donors will need to have a parent or guardian sign their forms. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB) provides a location service for blood centers across the U.S. Find a donation center near you and make an appointment to save lives today. Common medications such as those used to control blood pressure, birth control pills and over-the-counter medications do not affect your eligibility. Sometimes, it's not possible to donate, or we may ask that you wait before donating again. Wait until finished taking oral antibiotics for an infection (bacterial or viral). https://www.redcrossblood.org/content/dam/redcrossblood/missing-documents/3468_Medication-Deferral-List.pdf. Its also worth knowing a few of the details of when you can or cant donate blood, and if you have a temporary infection or condition that may make you unable to donate.