Eligible 16- and 17-year-old donors will need to have a parent or guardian sign their forms. However, you must wait 2 full days after taking aspirin or any medication containing aspirin before donating platelets by apheresis. If you dont know which company manufactured your vaccine, youll need to wait 2 weeks before you can donate blood. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern time), Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Eastern time). If you have been diagnosed with Zika virus infection, wait more than 120 days after your symptoms resolve to donate. The criteria concerning foreign travel are subject to change, so please discuss your eligibility with donor center staff. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Anyone who has taken the psoriasis medication etretinate (Tegison), which has been discontinued in the U.S. It should be started at the first sign of genital herpes or cold sore symptoms but is not a cure for these conditions. Bring your donor card, driver's license or two other forms of ID. There is no risk of contracting COVID-19 from a blood, A transfusion reaction is when your body has an adverse response to a blood transfusion. This includes work release programs and weekend incarceration. The length of time you must wait to donate will depend on the requirements of the plasma donation site and the type of antibiotic. Malaria is transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes found in certain countries and can be transmitted to patients through blood transfusion. Copyright 1996-2023 Drugs.com. Elderly people may be more sensitive to some of the side effects of valacyclovir. Students who donate at high school drives and donors 18 years of age or younger must also meet additional height and weight requirements for whole blood donation (applies to girls shorter than 5'5" and boys shorter than 5'). If you meet all eligibility criteria below, please schedule your appointment today to transform the lives of patients in need. Learn more about the different types of blood, including which one is the rarest and the role of genetics, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. 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. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Arixtra (fondaparinux), Fragmin (dalteparin), Eliquis (apixaban), Pradaxa (dabigatran),Savaysa (edoxaban), Xarelto (rivaroxaban),and Lovenox (enoxaparin) are also prescription blood thinners- Do not donate since your blood will not clot normally. Medications That May Delay Your Donation. 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. If you aren't sure what type of vaccine you got, wait 14 days before donating blood. Data suggests valacyclovir is most effective if started within this time. For example, if you take aspirin products on Monday, the soonest you can donate platelets is Thursday. Valacyclovir is an oral tablet that only needs to be taken twice daily, compared to five times daily for acyclovir. Although valacyclovir treats viruses, it is not effective against the flu or the common cold. 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. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal government site. 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. How long should Brilinta be held/stopped before surgery? If your doctor discontinues your treatment with blood thinners, wait 7 days before returning to donate. Brilinta vs Plavix: what's the difference? You can call 866-236-3276 to speak with an eligibility specialist about your travel. Where did you travel while in this country? Apheresis takes up to two hours, which is longer than it takes to donate whole blood. Learn how blood donations help those affected by Sickle Cell Disease. Herpes Simplex, Mucocutaneous/Immunocompetent Host, https://www.drugs.com/pro/valacyclovir.html. Persons who are pregnant are not eligible to donate. Plasma is a component of your blood. Individualson oral contraceptives or using other forms of birth control are eligible to donate. 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. For the same reason, do not donate if you are taking any "blood thinner" such as: If you are on aspirin, it is OK to donate whole blood. This requirement is related to concerns about the brain disease, Creutzfeld-Jacob Disease (CJD). Acceptable if you are taking antibiotics to prevent an infection for the following reasons: acne, chronic prostatitis, peptic ulcer disease, periodontal disease, pre-dental work, rosacea, ulcerative colitis, after a splenectomy or valvular heart disease. Best started within 24-48 hours of symptom onset. A simple blood donation can save the life of a child with leukemia, restore the strength of a cancer patient or provide a critical transfusion to an accident victim. And, yes, you can donate blood if you are taking medication for high blood pressure. 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. But only 3% of age-eligible people donate blood each year. Medically reviewed by Sally Chao, MD. As long as youre not actively infected or the virus has left your body, you can donate blood. The risk is higher in people with kidney disease and those receiving higher than the recommended dosage of valacyclovir. If there is no exposure to monkeypox and you received this vaccine, there is no deferral. For example, if you take aspirin products on Monday, the soonest you can donate platelets is Thursday. Does not appear to have any clinically significant drug-drug or drug-food interactions. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. The blood you donate will be tested for bloodborne diseases, such as hepatitis and HIV. It can cause miscarriage, premature birth, and severe birth defects. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Some states allow legal minors to donate with parental permission. 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. All rights reserved. Valacyclovir only needs to be taken twice a day compared with acyclovir which needs to be taken five times a day. FAMCICLO; VAL; ACYCLOVIR/VARICELLA; ZOSTER LIVE VACCINE. Cosmetic tattoos (including microblading of eyebrows only) applied in a licensed establishment in a regulated state using sterile needles and ink that is not reused is acceptable. New donors must donate plasma within 6 months before a donation can be used. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy because acyclovir (the active form of valacyclovir) crosses the placenta into the unborn child. Some key points: The use of cannabis does not disqualify an individual from blood donation, but potential donors cannot give if their use of cannabis impairs their memory or comprehension. Donors with diabetes who take any kind if insulin are eligible to donate as long as their diabetes is well controlled. In some cases, you cant donate blood based on certain health issues or your travel history. Acceptable if you were vaccinated witha non-replicating, inactivated, or RNA-based COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by AstraZeneca, Janssen/J&J, Moderna, Novavax, or Pfizer providing you are symptom-free and fever-free. 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. Last updated on March 31, 2022. For example, if you take aspirin products on Monday, the soonest you can donate platelets is Thursday. Yes. If you take these drugs and donate blood, you may experience excessive bleeding and bruising. You can also help peoplefacing emergencies bymaking a financial donationto support the Red Crosss greatest needs. There are a handful of drugs that are of special significance in blood donation. Wait for 3 days after having oral surgery. 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. You can also help peoplefacing emergencies by making a financial donationto support the Red Crosss greatest needs. But the benefits of donating blood arent, Discover whether you can donate blood if you have a tattoo. Both whole blood donation and apheresis are available, which gives you options as far as the length and frequency of your donations. Coumadin, Warfilone, Jantoven (warfarin) and Heparin, are prescription blood thinners- Do not donate since your blood will not clot normally. This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis. Common Reasons People Can't Donate Even if you were deferred in the past, you may be eligible to donate now. Blood is a lot more complex than it looks. Staff members are skilled at making the experience as smooth as possible. Acceptable as long as your pulse is no more than 100 and no less than 50. Memorial Sloan Kettering was founded in 1884, and today is a world leader in patient care, research, and educational programs. Before donating: A person can find blood donation services by searching online for nearby centers or using an online locator . If you have a history of bleeding problems, you will be asked additional questions. You may still be able to donate whole blood. youre under 17 years old, though you donate in some states at 16 and if your parents give their explicit approval, you weigh less than 110 pounds, regardless of your height, youve had a dura mater (brain covering) transplant with, youre currently sick or recovering from an illness, you have a fever or are coughing up phlegm, youve traveled to a country in the past year with a high risk of malaria, youre taking antibiotics for a bacterial illness, youve received a blood transfusion in the last year, its been 24 hours since you took antibiotics, its been at least 12 months since youve recovered from other types of cancer, its been 48 hours since youve recovered from a cold or flu. When you donate blood, a special machine is used to separate plasma from blood and make plasma available to be given to a donor. If youve had the COVID-19 vaccine, your antibody levels wont go down after you give blood. The inventory of donated blood must be constantly replenished. Wait 2 weeks if you were vaccinated with a live attenuated COVID-19 vaccine. Approved manufacturers include Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Novavax, and Pfizer. A pulse that is regular and less than 50 will require evaluation by the regional American Red Cross physician. Giving blood can help save lives. Donors must have the consent of a parent or guardian and weigh at least 110 pounds (about 50 kilograms). If you have recurring cold sores, initiate treatment as soon as possible following the onset of symptoms (tingling, burning, or itching). Acceptable if you received an HPV Vaccine (example, Gardasil). Acceptable after dental procedures as long as there is no infection present. Cold, Flu and Other Types of Illness If you don't feel well on the day of your donation, please call to cancel. If you have not been vaccinated or it has been less than 4 weeks since being vaccinated, wait 4 weeks from the date of the vaccination or exposure before donating. Tegison (etretinate) at any time you are not eligible to donate blood. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. You must wait 3 days after taking Effient (prasugrel) before donating platelets by apheresis. Discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation. Wait 3 months after receiving any type of organ transplant from another person. Many people mistakenly believe that having a tattoo means it is not possible to donate blood. Peak concentrations of acyclovir are reached within one to three hours. Acceptable as long as you do not have any limitations on daily activities and are not having difficulty breathing at the time of donation and you otherwise feel well. Double red cell donation takes about 30 minutes longer than a whole blood donation. DOI: Red Cross frequently asked questions page, clinicalcenter.nih.gov/blooddonor/can_i_donate.html, vitalant.org/donate/donor-eligibility.aspx, transfusionguidelines.org/dsg/wb/guidelines/he025-herpes-simplex, givingblood.org/donate-blood/who-can-donate.aspx, Can You Donate Blood If You Have a Tattoo? Platelets are small, tiny cell fragments that form clots to stop you from bleeding. Feldene (piroxicam), no waiting period for donating whole blood. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB). There are some restrictions on who can donate blood, and you may be wondering can I donate blood if I'm taking medication? Be assured that fainting before, during or after blood donation is rare. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Did you leave the city or resort at any time? For recurrent episodes of genital herpes, therapy should be initiated within 24 hours of the onset of signs or symptoms; efficacy has not been proven if started after this time. 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. It may help to not watch the needle as it is inserted, and you don't have to see the blood. General eligibility criteria. Common reasons include: If youre planning to donate blood but youre not sure if youre healthy enough, ask your doctor. Vismodegib and sonidegib are used for basal cell skin cancer. You have not donated blood in the past 56 days. Acceptable as long as you feel well, have no fever, and have no problems breathing through your mouth. Double red cell donors may donate as often as every 168 days. HPV is most commonly spread via skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the virus. Find out how you can get involved by becoming a volunteer or peer leader - organizing a high-school blood donation events - by emailing us at feedback@blood.ca or calling 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283). People with diabetes can donate blood if they meet certain eligibility requirements. The .gov means its official. Talk to your doctor if youre not sure whether its OK to donate blood if you have HPV. 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. During a whole blood donation, you typically donate a pint (about a half liter) of whole blood. Chlamydia, venereal warts (human papilloma virus), or genital herpes are not a cause for deferral if you are feeling healthy and well and meet all other eligibility requirements. If your blood does not clot normally, you can not donate since you may have excessive bleeding where the needle was placed. In Florida you can donate whole blood every 56 days, at minimum. If you are taking any medication, even if it is not listed here, please call the MSK Blood Donor Room at 212-639-7648 or email donateblood@mskcc.org to determine your eligibility. 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. Every 15 seconds, someone in the United States needs platelets. Here are the things you should eat before donating. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Donation is acceptable after routine teeth cleaning or dental work. If you have treated yourself for genital herpes and it recurs, then seek retreatment as soon as possible. You can also help peoplefacing emergencies by making a financial donationto support the Red Crosss greatest needs. October 2021. Finasteride, dutasteride and tamsulosin treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Most medications do not prevent you from donating blood. According to the eligibility guidelines set by the FDA, if you qualify to donate blood, in most cases, you can do it any time after youve had your COVID-19 vaccine. Taking antibiotics to control acne does not disqualify you from donating. Cellcept (mycophenolate mofetil) an immunosuppressant wait 6 weeks. In some countries national legislation permits 16-17 year-olds to donate provided that they fulfil the physical and hematological criteria required and that appropriate consent is obtained. 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. Wait 3 months after using IV drugs that were not prescribed by a physician. Consider volunteering,or hosting a blood drivethrough the Red Cross. If you take any of these, you may not be eligible to donate platelets for a certain time period. Also learn which conditions make you ineligible to donate, how to find a blood bank, and, There are certain stimulants and drugs that can disqualify you from giving blood, but can you donate blood if you smoke? Please tell us if you: DO NOT discontinue medications prescribed or recommended by your physicians in order to donate blood. sore throat, cough, runny nose or diarrhoea for at least 1 week. Considervolunteeringorhosting a blood drivethrough the Red Cross. Without the people who took time to donate blood, I would have died after childbirth. No. Revised 07/2021.TIME CAP LABORATORIES, INC. Wait 3 years after completing treatment for malaria. Not have had a fever in the last 4 weeks. Acceptable as long as your blood pressure is below 180 systolic (first number) and below 100 diastolic (second number) at the time of donation. You weigh at least 110 lbs. Travel to some countries may make you ineligible to donate blood for varying periods of time, depending on whether certain diseases, such as malaria, are common in the country visited. At other times, always use a condom, because herpes can be transmitted in the absence of symptoms. You can download the travel form and bring it with you to help in the assessment of your travel. If youre not sure, call your local blood donation center to ask if youre eligible to donate platelets, plasma, or convalescent plasma. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. Precancerous conditions of the uterine cervix do not disqualify you from donation if the abnormality has been treated successfully. If you have active tuberculosis or are being treated for active tuberculosis you can not donate. If you have a pacemaker, you can donate as long as your pulse is between 50 and 100 beats per minute and you meet the other heart disease criteria. Learn how transfusion reactions occur and how to minimize. Call the Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Wait 6 weeks after giving birth. 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. 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. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Wait 3 years after living more than 5 years in a country or countries where malaria is found. But a 2019 study of HPV in rabbits and mice called this into question. You can also donate blood if you have: Asthma if it's well treated, with no current shortness of breath Diabetes if it's well treated with diet and/or medications Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Generally, donors are compensated for their time. If you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility to donate blood, contact your donation center. 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. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. View complete list of side effects. Please consider donating plasma again! Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Available for Android and iOS devices. Blood typing is a test that determines a persons blood type, and it's key if you need a blood transfusion or are planning to donate blood. Rarely, may cause side effects such as agitation, hallucinations, confusion, or seizures. Revision date: March 30, 2022. prednisone, acyclovir, Valtrex, Zovirax, Deltasone, lysine, tetracaine topical, benzocaine topical, famciclovir, valganciclovir. Convalescent plasma contains antibodies that your body builds after a viral infection to fight off the illness. 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. In order to donate whole blood, youll need to: Eligibility requirements may differ if you want to donate only platelets or plasma. Acceptable as long as the skin over the vein to be used to collect blood is not affected. Non-living animal tissues such as bone, tendon, or heart valves are acceptable. Forbes added that donating blood after getting a shot will not impact the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine. Donor Deferral for Men Who Have Had Sex With Men (MSM). In general, people with well-managed or controlled diabetes can donate blood. Before donating, eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water. A federal government website managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services200 Independence Avenue, S.W. Most common medications, such as ones used to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or depression are all ok. See: Antibiotics, Hepatitis, HIV, Syphilis/Gonorrhea, and Tuberculosis. You are at risk for getting infected if you: Do not give blood if you have any of the following conditions that can be signs or symptoms of HIV/AIDS. This is because the antibodies you develop from the viral infection are different from those you develop after youve had the vaccine. 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. Not have taken medication, herbal supplements or traditional herbal remedies for at least 3 days. All rights reserved. You are aged between 18 and 65. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed. If you are in good health, and qualify for other eligibility guidelines, you can donate blood regardless of . This distinguishes it from Zostavax, the live shingles vaccine, which is given as a single dose (shot) and requires a 4-week deferral. Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with valacyclovir. Drugs that can harm an unborn baby Discuss your particular situation with your personal healthcare provider and the health historian at the time of donation. Donating blood is safe and easy to do. Considervolunteeringorhosting a blood drivethrough the Red Cross. Also, avoid touching the rash and then your eyes. 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. March 11, 2021. If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: Note: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. From diagnosis to treatment, our experts provide the care and support you need, when you need it. Wait 3 months after a tattoo if the tattoo was applied in a state that does not regulate tattoo facilities. https://www.redcrossblood.org/content/dam/redcrossblood/missing-documents/3468_Medication-Deferral-List.pdf. Allergy, Stuffy Nose, Itchy Eyes, Dry Cough. Persons under the age of 17 may, however, donate blood for their own use, in advance of scheduled surgery or in situations where their blood has special medical value for a particular patient such as a family member. Treatment may last from one to 14 days depending on the condition being treated and the immunocompetency of the person being treated.