Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

NSAIDs or nonsteroidals.

Assess the reason for treatment and see if there is a relevant index entry.

1. Must not donate if:
Taken for a serious long-term illness including cardiovascular disease.

2. Platelets:
 Donations must not be used for preparing platelets if aspirin, aspirin containing medicines, piroxicam (Feldene^® and Brexidol^®) or other NSAIDs (see the Drug Index) have been taken in the last 48 hours.

If medication is self prescribed and the donor meets all other criteria, for red cell donation only, accept.

Cardiovascular Disease
Drug Index - preparations which may affect platelet function

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can stop platelets (small fragments of cells that help control bleeding) from working properly. Some packs of blood are used to make platelet packs. As these are used to control or prevent bleeding in patients, it is essential that they do not include platelets affected by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Taking these drugs will not affect the use of a donation for red cell transfusion (the commonest use) but, the reason they are being taken, might.

The deferral period for donors taking aspirin containing medicines or piroxicam (Feldene^® and Brexidol^®) where donations are used to make platelets has been reduced to 48 hours.

If you wish to obtain more information regarding a personal medical issue please contact your National Help Line.

Please do not contact this web site for personal medical queries, as we are not in a position to provide individual answers.