What medications prevent people from donating blood?

In almost all cases, medications will not disqualify you as a blood donor. Your eligibility will be based on the reason that the medication was prescribed. As long as the condition is under control and you are healthy, blood donation is usually permitted. Over-the-counter oral homeopathic medications, herbal remedies, and nutritional supplements are usually acceptable. There are a handful of drugs that are of special significance in blood donation. Persons on these drugs have waiting periods following their last dose before they can donate blood:
- Accutane, Amnesteem, Claravis or Sotret (isoretinoin), Proscar (finasteride), and Propecia (finasteride) - wait 1 month from the last dose.
- Avodart (dutasteride) - wait 6 months from the last dose.
- Aspirin, no waiting period for donating whole blood. However, you must wait 48 hours after taking aspirin or any medication containing aspirin before donating platelets by apheresis.
- Feldene (piroxicam), no waiting period for donating whole blood. However, you must wait 48 hours after taking Feldene (piroxicam) before donating platelets by apheresis.
- Clopidogrel - wait 14 days after taking this medication before donating platelets by apheresis.
- Coumadin (warfarin), heparin or other prescription blood thinners – you should not donate since your blood will not clot normally. If your doctor discontinues your treatment with blood thinners, wait 7 days before returning to donate.
- Hepatitis B Immune Globulin - given for exposure to hepatitis, wait 12 months after exposure to hepatitis.
- Human pituitary-derived growth hormone at any time - you are not eligible to donate blood.
- Plavix - wait 14 days after taking this medication before donating platelets by apheresis.
- Soriatane (acitretin) - wait 3 years.
-Tegison (etretinate) at any time - you are not eligible to donate blood.
- Ticlid - wait 14 days after taking this medication before donating platelets by apheresis.
- Ticlopidine - wait 14 days after taking this medication before donating platelets by apheresis.
Guidelines on eligibility to give blood change from time to time. The most up-to-date eligibility information can be obtained by contacting the American Red Cross blood center nearest you.