These medications disqualify you from donating blood

Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood and platelets, leading to an estimated 29,000 units of red blood cells needed daily, according to the American Red Cross. Donating blood is an easy way to help, but there are some specific requirements that may affect your eligibility, such as whether you have recently taken certain medications.

What medications disqualify you from giving blood?

The American Red Cross provides a full list of medications that make you ineligible for donating blood. The requirements protect both the donor and the person who will receive the blood transfusion.

“The organization also provides guidance around how long you might have to wait after taking a certain medication before you can safely give blood,” explains Dr. Heidi Brookenthal, a family medicine physician at Advocate Health Care.

Here are some categories of medications that might make you temporarily ineligible:

• PrEP medications: PrEP or PEP medications help lower your risk of getting HIV if you’re in a high-risk category. You’ll have to wait at least three months after taking it orally and two years after injecting it to donate any blood or blood products.
• Acne treatments: If you’re taking isotretinoin medications for acne, you’ll have to wait at least a month after taking it before donating blood.
• Blood thinners: Blood thinners have varying blood donation waiting periods but typically run between two to seven days. Because this medication affects the body’s ability to clot, the main concern is excessive bruising or bleeding during the blood draw.
• Hair loss treatments: If you’re using certain treatments for hair loss, you’ll have to wait at least a month before safely donating to ensure the components aren’t in your blood.

“The deferral list can change, so it’s best to check whether your medication is on the list,” says Dr. Brookenthal. “Most importantly, you shouldn’t stop taking your medications to donate blood unless you’ve discussed it with your health care provider.”

Alternative ways to help

Donating blood saves lives. But if you cannot stop your medication, there are other ways to make a difference. For example, you can volunteer at a blood drive or raise money for blood donation organizations.

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