| Obligatory | The taking of some drugs may make a donor ineligible.
This could be due to the underlying disease or to the medication.
See:
Any A-Z index entry for the disease being treated or the drug taken. |
| Discretionary | Self-medication with some drugs e.g. vitamins, aspirin, sleeping tablets, need not prevent a donation being accepted, providing the donor meets all other criteria.
The number of different drugs taken should not of itself make a donor ineligible. |
| See if Relevant | Acne
Alopecia
Anti-Androgens
Antibiotic Therapy
Autoimmune Disease
Drug Index - preparations which may affect platelet function
Immunodeficiency
Immunoglobulin Therapy
Lichen Planus
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Prostate Problems
Psoriasis
Steroid Therapy |
| Additional Information | In most circumstances it is the condition that a drug is being taken for, rather than the drug itself, that will lead to deferral. This is because the amount of drug that will be transfused will be very small.
Some drugs are however known to cause birth defects even in tiny amounts. As we do not know who may receive donated blood (it may be transfused directly into an unborn baby) people taking these drugs must be deferred.
It is also important to be certain that a particular drug will not stop platelets from working properly. The blood of anyone who has taken drugs in the last seven days that can interfere with platelet function can be used for red cells but may not be suitable for preparing platelets.
If a specific drug is not indexed individually, or as a group (e.g. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Steroids), and the reason for treatment is not a cause for deferral, the donor should be accepted. If in doubt contact a 'Designated Clinical Support Officer'. |
| Reason for change | Link updated from 'Immunosuppression' to 'Immunodeficiency' in the 'See if Relevant' section. |
| Donor Information | 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. |