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. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Valacyclovir is an antiviral prodrug that is rapidly converted into acyclovir in the body. In-Depth Discussion of Age and Blood Donation, Those younger than age 17 are almost always legal minors (not yet of the age of majority) who cannot give consent by themselves to donate blood. The whole process may take 3 hours. But there are some rules youll need to follow before you donate your blood after getting the jab. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. If you are taking antibiotics, then you will need to wait for 24 hours after your last dose before you can donate blood. Plavix (clopidogrel) and Ticlid (ticlopidine) no waiting period for donating whole blood. If you have a history of bleeding problems, you will be asked additional questions. May not be suitable for everybody, including people with advanced HIV, allogenic bone marrow transplant, kidney problems, taking certain medications, or those who are dehydrated. Drink plenty of water while taking valacyclovir and do not allow yourself to become dehydrated. To donate blood, you must: Be in general good health. Wash your hands frequently. Even if symptoms fully abate, valacyclovir should be taken until the prescribed course has been completed. Papillomavirus can be transmitted through the blood and produce infections in blood recipients: Evidence from two animal models. Canadian standards for blood donation dictates that 17 is the earliest age at which you can donate blood. 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. The following tables list common medications that may prevent you from donating, at least temporarily. Considervolunteeringorhosting a blood drivethrough the Red Cross. For all donors, the hemoglobin level can be no greater than 20 g/dL. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. 2022. What medications disqualify you from donating blood/plasma? If you have been diagnosed with Zika virus infection, wait more than 120 days after your symptoms resolve to donate. It should be started at the first sign of genital herpes or cold sore symptoms but is not a cure for these conditions. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Amnesteem, Absorica, Claravis, Myorisan, Zenatane (. If you ever received a dura mater (brain covering) transplant, you are not eligible to donate. This includes work release programs and weekend incarceration. But to be eligible, youll need to know and be able to give the name of your COVID-19 vaccines manufacturer. Acceptable as long as the instruments used were single-use equipment and disposable (which means both the gun and the earring cassette were disposable). Can have taken last pill on the date of donation. If you have a fever or an active infection, wait until the infection has resolved completely before donating blood. Donors with diabetes who take any kind if insulin are eligible to donate as long as their diabetes is well controlled. The short answer is maybe. There is no substitute for human blood all transfusions use blood from a donor. Wait 2 weeks if you were vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine but do not know if it was a non-replicating, inactivated, RNA based vaccine or a live attenuated vaccine. Drugs that can harm an unborn baby (fetus) belong to different classes of medications and treat different health issues. According to the eligibility guidelines set by the FDA, if you qualify to donate. 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. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Talk to your doctor or get in touch with a local blood bank, hospital, or nonprofit that has expertise in this area. 25 ways to protect yourself from illness. You must wait 3 days after taking Effient (prasugrel) before donating platelets by apheresis. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. However, you must wait 1 month after taking this medication before donating platelets by apheresis. Because plasma is part of your blood, the same rules apply if you have herpes, whether you have HSV-1 or HSV-2: Maybe. The Blood Donor Program welcomes regular and repeat healthy donors so that it has a steady blood supply for people in need. Not have taken medication, herbal supplements or traditional herbal remedies for at least 3 days. Valacyclovir only needs to be taken twice a day compared with acyclovir which needs to be taken five times a day. Here are some resources you can use to figure out whether you can donate blood: Wondering if you have herpes and want to know before you donate blood? 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. Medically reviewed by Carmen Fookes, BPharm. For more information about other medications, contact the Blood Donor Program. Hepatitis B Immune Globulin given for exposure to hepatitis, wait 12 months after exposure to hepatitis. 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. It is not necessarily surgery but the underlying condition that precipitated the surgery that requires evaluation before donation. Wait 3 months after being treated for syphilis or gonorrhea. Age. If you have a temperature above 99.5 F, you can not donate. 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. Blood donation is a simple act that can save lives. 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. In Minnesota you can donate whole blood every 84 days, at minimum. 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. If you have treated yourself for genital herpes and it recurs, then seek retreatment as soon as possible. However, if a live attenuated viral COVID-19 vaccine becomes available and you get it, wait 14 days after being vaccinated before donating blood. Discuss any upper weight limitations of beds and lounges with your local health historian. In some countries, regular donors over the age of 65 may be accepted at the discretion of the responsible physician. A tattoo is acceptable if the tattoo was applied by a state-regulated entity using sterile needles and ink that is not reused. 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. Valacyclovir works in several different ways to prevent these viruses from replicating. However, you must be off of aspirin for at least 2 full days in order to donate platelets by apheresis. Valacyclovir is an oral tablet that only needs to be taken twice daily, compared to five times daily for acyclovir. Yes. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. These drugs are used to treat or prevent blood clots and prevent strokes. Select the title or plus symbol below to view content. Donating blood is safe and easy to do. Wait 3 months after receiving any type of organ transplant from another person. 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. Without the people who took time to donate blood, I would have died after childbirth. Giving blood can help save lives. Please keep in mind that donor eligibility and ability to donate can change over 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. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. 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. Headaches, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are the most commonly reported side effects. You'll be notified if any of these tests are positive. It can cause miscarriage, premature birth, and severe birth defects. 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. Consider volunteering,or hosting a blood drivethrough the Red Cross. have used needles to take any drugs, steroids, or anything not prescribed by your doctor in the last 3 months, are a male who has had sexual contact with another male, in the last 3 months, have taken money, drugs or other payment for sex in the last 3 months, have had sexual contact in the past 3 months with anyone described above. People may need blood when they have surgery, cancer treatment, or transfusions for blood loss from injuries or accidents. Did you leave the city or resort at any time? If you take these drugs and donate blood, you may experience excessive bleeding and bruising. Acceptable if you have sickle cell trait. Treatment may last from one to 14 days depending on the condition being treated and the immunocompetency of the person being treated. The Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Program, along with other blood donor centers, is experiencing the effects of a nationwide blood shortage. Lower risk in-situ cancers including squamous or basal cell cancers of the skin that have been completely removed and healed do not require a 12-month waiting period. Wait until theyre dry and healed. However, you must wait 7 days after takingBrilinta (ticagrelor) before donating platelets by apheresis. Thalomid (thalidomide capsule). When you donate blood, you only give about 1 pint. As long as youre not actively infected or the virus has left your body, you can donate blood. Wait at least 7 days between platelet (pheresis) donations. Donors with clotting disorder from Factor V who are not on anticoagulants are eligible to donate; however, all others must be evaluated by the health historian at the collection center. 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. 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. Women on hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms and prevention of osteoporosis are eligible to donate. Its usually given to hospitalized patients or people with weak immune systems. Smoking before your . Common Reasons People Can't Donate Even if you were deferred in the past, you may be eligible to donate now. 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. Odomzo (sonidegib) capsules, for oral use. Data suggests valacyclovir is most effective if started within this time. Most common medications, such as ones used to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or depression are all ok. But there are some rules you'll need to follow before you donate your blood after getting the jab. Common medications such as those used to control blood pressure, birth control pills and over-the-counter medications do not affect your eligibility. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Anticoagulants, or blood thinners, prevent blood from clotting. For whole-blood donation, you can make an appointment using our simple on-line form. During apheresis you're hooked up to a machine that collects and separates blood components and returns unused components to you. Heres an overview of when its OK to donate blood: Still not sure if youre eligible to donate blood? Wait 21 days after immunization for hepatitis B as long as you are not given the immunization for exposure to hepatitis B. And, yes, you can donate blood if you are taking medication for high blood pressure. You can call 866-236-3276 to speak with an eligibility specialist about your travel. You can download thetravel form and bring it with you to help in the assessment of your travel. Reach out online to a hospital or medical facility that has a blood donor services team. 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. Donation Intervals Donor Deferral for Men Who Have Had Sex With Men (MSM) Ebola Virus Heart Disease Heart Murmur, Heart Valve Disorder Hemochromatosis (Hereditary) Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, Blood Count Hepatitis, Jaundice Hepatitis Exposure HIV, AIDS Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Hypertension, High Blood Pressure Immunization, Vaccination Rarely, may cause side effects such as agitation, hallucinations, confusion, or seizures. 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. Please tell us if you: 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. Effient (prasugrel) and Brilinta (ticagrelor) no waiting period for donating whole blood. If you've recently gotten a tattoo, traveled abroad or take medications . Most medications do not prevent you from donating blood. All additional blood donation eligibility criteria will apply. ). You are not eligible to donate if you have ever had Ebola virus infection or disease. 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. You should refer to the prescribing information for valacyclovir for a complete list of interactions. Available for Android and iOS devices. Taking certain medications may exclude you from donating blood, platelets or plasma. The Red Cross does not diagnose medical conditions or offer treatment. Donors who have undergone acupuncture treatments are acceptable. The length of time you must wait to donate will depend on the requirements of the plasma donation site and the type of antibiotic. For the purposes of blood donation gender is self-identified and self-reported, which is relevant to the transgender community. Discuss your particular situation with your personal healthcare provider and the health historian at the time of donation. According to the general blood donation criteria, donors must: be at least 16 years of age. You can also help peoplefacing emergencies by making a financial donationto support the Red Crosss greatest needs. While giving blood, you might access wireless internet or watch television or a movie to keep your mind occupied. If you live with or have had sexual contact with a person who has hepatitis, you must wait 12 months after the last contact. When you donate blood, you're helping others and giving back to your community. Learn how transfusion reactions occur and how to minimize. Even if you can't donate now, you may be able to do so in the future. If the skin disease has become infected, wait until the infection has cleared before donating. This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis and HIV. The second shot is administered 2-6 months after the first shot. Discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation. Human cadaveric pituitary-derived hGH was available in the U.S. from 1958 to 1985. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern time), Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Eastern time).