We know your time is valuable, and it's important to us that your donor experience is a positive one. Most chronic illnesses are acceptable as long as you feel well, the condition is under control, and you meet all other eligibility requirements. Acceptable as long as you feel well when you come to donate, and your blood pressure is at least 90/50 (systolic/diastolic). This is because the antibodies you develop from the viral infection are different from those you develop after youve had the vaccine. Wait at least 6 months following a heart attack. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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 Yes, you can donate blood even if you have herpes but only if you're not having an outbreak of symptoms and if it's been more than 48 hours since you finished an antiviral treatment. Wait until finishing antibiotics for a dental infection. If you've recently gotten a tattoo, traveled abroad or take medications . Make your tax-deductible gift today, and be a part of cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine as it's known today. 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. Donation is acceptable after routine teeth cleaning or dental work. The truth is that most people with tattoos can donate blood, as long as they do not have certain . Your eligibility will be based on the reason that the medication was prescribed. However, you must wait 2 days after taking Feldene (piroxicam) before donating platelets by apheresis. 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. 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. Platelets are small, tiny cell fragments that form clots to stop you from bleeding. 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. There are a handful of drugs that are of special significance in blood donation. Taking antibiotics to control acne does not disqualify you from donating. Getting a tattoo or piercing recently from a licensed establishment does not make you ineligible to donate blood. A pulse that is regular and less than 50 will require evaluation by the regional American Red Cross physician. Learn how blood donations help those affected by Sickle Cell Disease. Generally, donors are compensated for their time. Persons who have been detained or incarcerated in a facility (juvenile detention, lockup, jail, or prison) for 72 hours or more consecutively (3 days) are deferred for 12 months from the date of last occurrence. 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? During a whole blood donation, you typically donate a pint (about a half liter) of whole blood. If you received this vaccine after an exposure to Monkeypox, you cannot donate for 21 days after your last exposure. It's common to be nervous about donating blood if you've never done it before. As long as the condition is under control and you are healthy, blood donation is usually permitted. In general, people with well-managed or controlled diabetes can donate blood. This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis. Wait 3 months after using IV drugs that were not prescribed by a physician. Individuals with low blood volumes may not tolerate the removal of the required volume of blood given with whole blood donation. Precancerous conditions of the uterine cervix do not disqualify you from donation if the abnormality has been treated successfully. In Florida you can donate whole blood every 56 days, at minimum. 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? Plasma is a component of your blood. In some cases, you cant donate blood based on certain health issues or your travel history. Dont donate if you have: If you have side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine, wait until they go away. Common medications that may interact with valacyclovir include: Alcohol should be avoided while taking valacyclovir because it weakens the immune system and may exacerbate the side effects of valacyclovir. When you donate blood, a special machine is used to separate plasma from blood and make plasma available to be given to a donor. Consult your healthcare professional (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) for more in formation. Take valacyclovir exactly as directed by your doctor and for the exact time prescribed, even if your symptoms improve. Acceptable as long as your blood pressure is below 180 systolic (first number) and below 100 diastolic (second number) at the time of donation. Although valacyclovir treats viruses, it is not effective against the flu or the common cold. The Red Cross does not diagnose medical conditions or offer treatment. In some countries, regular donors over the age of 65 may be accepted at the discretion of the responsible physician. Whole blood donation takes about 45-60 minutes. Please consider donating plasma again! If you had leukemia or lymphoma, including Hodgkins Disease and other cancers of the blood, you are not eligible to donate. Activity against HSV is greater than activity against VZV. If you have traveled or lived in a malaria-risk country, a waiting period is required before you can donate blood. Drink plenty of water while taking valacyclovir and do not allow yourself to become dehydrated. You can be exposed to malaria through travel and travel in some areas can sometimes defer donors. Where did you travel while in this country? 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. Be sure to list all medications that you take before giving blood. 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. Papillomavirus can be transmitted through the blood and produce infections in blood recipients: Evidence from two animal models. Aspirin, no waiting period for donating whole blood. Talk with donor center staff about specific requirements. 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. More information about the FDA policy is available for LGBTQ+ donors. "All employees involved in blood collection are self-monitoring their . If you have a temperature above 99.5 F, you can not donate. These viruses cause illnesses such as cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles. According to the eligibility guidelines set by the FDA, if you qualify to donate. The following tables list common medications that may prevent you from donating, at least temporarily. While oral birth control pills,. If you're taking antibiotics, you must complete the course before donating. For more information about other medications, contact the Blood Donor Program. And you are never too old to donate blood. Approved manufacturers include Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Novavax, and Pfizer. If you ever tested positive for hepatitis B or hepatitis C, at any age, you are not eligible to donate, even if you were never sick or jaundiced from the infection. Medicines that interact with valacyclovir may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with valacyclovir. Wait 21 days after immunization for hepatitis B as long as you are not given the immunization for exposure to hepatitis B. Wait 4 weeks after immunizations for German Measles (Rubella), MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella), Chicken Pox and Zostavax, the live shingles vaccine. You may donate blood after most vaccinations if you're feeling well. You can also help peoplefacing emergencies by making a financial donationto support the Red Crosss greatest needs. Adequate hydration must be maintained otherwise acyclovir can precipitate in the renal tubules if its solubility is exceeded in the intratubular fluid. But only 3% of age-eligible people donate blood each year. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Unable to Give Blood? If your doctor discontinues your treatment with blood thinners, wait 7 days before returning to donate. You are not eligible to donate if you have ever had Ebola virus infection or disease. But there are some rules you'll need to follow before you donate your blood after getting the jab. Acceptable as long as you feel well, have no fever, and have no problems breathing through your mouth. The risk is higher in people with kidney disease and those receiving higher than the recommended dosage of valacyclovir. Wait 2 years after the last injection or shot of medication taken to prevent HIV infection also known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)- Apretude (cabotegravir ) are injections or shots given for exposure to HIV. Thalomid (thalidomide capsule). Wait 3 months after receiving a blood transfusion (unless it was your own "autologous" blood), non-sterile needle stick or exposure to someone else's blood. 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. Read more about the national blood shortage. See "Blood Pressure, High" section above. 2022. Does not appear to have any clinically significant drug-drug or drug-food interactions. This distinguishes it from Zostavax, the live shingles vaccine, which is given as a single dose (shot) and requires a 4-week deferral. If you are in good health, and qualify for other eligibility guidelines, you can donate blood regardless of . In almost all cases, medications will not disqualify you as a blood donor. At other times, always use a condom, because herpes can be transmitted in the absence of symptoms. Just as with blood donation, you dont have to wait to give platelets or plasma after youve had your COVID-19 vaccine as long as you know the vaccine manufacturer. Get in touch with a local organization like a nonprofit or charity that coordinates blood donations in your area. Before donating, eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water. Acceptable if you meet all eligibility criteria and donation intervals. Return visits can take about 90 minutes and may be quicker. 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. Giving blood can help save lives. However, you must wait 2 full days after taking aspirin or any medication containing aspirin before donating platelets by apheresis. Malaria is transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes found in certain countries and can be transmitted to patients through blood transfusion. Effient (prasugrel) and Brilinta (ticagrelor) no waiting period for donating whole blood. If you have a fever or an active infection, wait until the infection has resolved completely before donating blood. Considervolunteeringorhosting a blood drivethrough the Red Cross. 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. Most common medications, such as ones used to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or depression are all ok. Valacyclovir. Rarely, may affect the kidneys or cause a bleeding disorder. To donate blood, you must: Be in general good health. Women on hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms and prevention of osteoporosis are eligible to donate. Select one or more newsletters to continue. Look to see if another organization near you does blood donations. 1 This is true whether you have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes. Acyclovir has activity against several different viruses including herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1), 2 (HSV-2), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Wait for 3 days after having oral surgery. Available at: https://www.mskcc.org/about/get-involved/donating-blood/medications. Last updated on March 31, 2022. Wait 3 years after completing treatment for malaria. Acceptable if you have a heart murmur as long as you have been medically evaluated and treated and have not had symptoms in the last 6 months and have no restrictions on your normal daily activities. Growth hormone received after 1985 is acceptable. The blood donation process can be broken down into four steps: Registration Medical history and mini-physical Donation Refreshments While the whole process, from the time you get to the. Convalescent plasma contains antibodies that your body builds after a viral infection to fight off the illness. Donors must have the consent of a parent or guardian and weigh at least 110 pounds (about 50 kilograms). But the benefits of donating blood arent, Discover whether you can donate blood if you have a tattoo. However, you must wait 2 full days after taking aspirin or any medication containing aspirin before donating platelets by apheresis. Herpes Simplex, Mucocutaneous/Immunocompetent Host, https://www.drugs.com/pro/valacyclovir.html. Elderly people may be more sensitive to some of the side effects of valacyclovir. But if youve had the COVID-19 vaccine, the FDA allows you to give convalescent plasma only within 6 months of your initial COVID-19 infection. Donors with diabetes who take any kind if insulin are eligible to donate as long as their diabetes is well controlled. Now that youve decided that youre eligible to donate blood, where do you donate? A federal government website managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services200 Independence Avenue, S.W. Other prescription blood thinners not listed, call 866-236-3276 to speak with an eligibility specialist about your individual situation. Help save the lives of people in your community by donating regularly. Washington, D.C. 20201. You must weigh at least 110 lbs to be eligible for blood donation for your own safety. Wait until finished taking oral antibiotics for an infection (bacterial or viral). Treatment for cold sores should not exceed one day. The Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Program doesn't test blood donors for the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Wait at least 6 months after a change in your heart condition that resulted in a change to your medications. Learn more about hepatitis and blood donation. What pain medication can I take with Brilinta? 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. Double red cell donors may donate as often as every 168 days. July 2015. You weigh at least 110 lbs. View complete list of side effects. Researchers found that even animal subjects who didnt have any symptoms could still spread HPV when they carried the virus in their blood. Wait at least 7 days between platelet (pheresis) donations. We'll be happy to see you 24 hours after your symptoms pass. You may still be able to donate whole blood. It takes about 1 hour to donate blood. 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. Age. We avoid using tertiary references. Currently, the only states that DO NOT regulate tattoo facilities are: District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah and Wyoming. ). Valacyclovir works in several different ways to prevent these viruses from replicating. Avodart or Jalyn (dutasteride) - wait 6 months from the last dose. If youre not sure, call your local blood donation center to ask if youre eligible to donate platelets, plasma, or convalescent plasma. All rights reserved. Apheresis blood donation (double red cells, platelets, plasma) takes about 1 1/2-2 hours. Still not sure if you can donate blood because of another limitation or condition? Acceptable as long as the skin over the vein to be used to collect blood is not affected. Those who have had infections with Chagas Disease or Leishmaniasis are not eligible to donate. Medications - While taking some medications means you can't donate, most are ok. Persons who are pregnant are not eligible to donate. If you ever received a transplant of animal organs or of living animal tissue - you are not eligible to donate blood. 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. Monkeypox infection or exposure, wait a minimum of 21 days, then contact the Red Cross Donor and Client Support Center at 1-866-236-3276 to discuss your particular situation to determine if you can donate. Before you donate blood, you must sign an Authorization to Release Protected Health Information. SHINGRIX vaccine is administered in 2 doses (shots). Wait 3 months after being treated for syphilis or gonorrhea. The whole process may take 3 hours. Wait at least 16 weeks between Power Red (automated) donations. Discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation. Both whole blood donation and apheresis are available, which gives you options as far as the length and frequency of your donations. Wash your hands frequently. Available for Android and iOS devices. It may help to not watch the needle as it is inserted, and you don't have to see the blood. 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. Herpes infections are highly contagious and you should cover your rash and avoid intimate contact. Acceptable if you received an HPV Vaccine (example, Gardasil). Memorial Sloan Kettering was founded in 1884, and today is a world leader in patient care, research, and educational programs. If you have any other questions or concerns regarding donation, call the NIH Blood Bank at (301) 496-1048. Physical exam results vary throughout the day. Because plasma is part of your blood, the same rules apply if you have herpes, whether you have HSV-1 or HSV-2: Maybe. However, you must wait 7 days after takingBrilinta (ticagrelor) before donating platelets by apheresis. Cold, Flu and Other Types of Illness If you don't feel well on the day of your donation, please call to cancel. Wait at least 6 months after bypass surgery or angioplasty. From diagnosis to treatment, our experts provide the care and support you need, when you need it. For the purposes of blood donation gender is self-identified and self-reported, which is relevant to the transgender community. If you ever received a dura mater (brain covering) transplant, you are not eligible to donate. Valacyclovir is an oral tablet that only needs to be taken twice daily, compared to five times daily for acyclovir. Dont donate until its been at least 48 hours since youve finished taking any antiviral treatment. You must be in good health and able to pass the physical and a confidential health-history assessment to help make sure blood donation is safe for both you and the recipient of the 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. 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. 4.Can you donate blood with a cold? Wait 3 years after living more than 5 years in a country or countries where malaria is found. Below, you will find a list of questions donors frequently ask. For example, if you take aspirin products on Monday, the soonest you can donate platelets is Thursday. 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. Eligible 16-year-olds can donate blood in Minnesota. As long as youre not actively infected or the virus has left your body, you can donate blood. Please, come prepared to discuss your travel details when you donate. Donating blood plasma is similar to donating blood. If you are taking valacyclovir for genital herpes or cold sores avoid sexual contact until you have finished the course of treatment. Even if you can't donate now, you may be able to do so in the future. If you are receiving antibiotics for a positive TB skin test or blood test only or if you are being treated for a tuberculosis infection, wait until treatment is successfully completed before donating. You must wait 3 days after taking Effient (prasugrel) before donating platelets by apheresis. You have not donated blood in the past 56 days. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Blood is a lot more complex than it looks. Copyright 1996-2023 Drugs.com. Also, avoid touching the rash and then your eyes. October 2021. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Can you drink alcohol while taking Brilinta? 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. A tattoo is acceptable if the tattoo was applied by a state-regulated entity using sterile needles and ink that is not reused. Be assured that fainting before, during or after blood donation is rare. 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. Most medications do not prevent you from donating blood. Get in touch with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Blood Bank at (301) 496-1048. 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 [emailprotected]to determine your eligibility. If you dont know which company manufactured your vaccine, youll need to wait 2 weeks before you can donate blood. Donated platelets can be stored for use for as long as five days. The Blood Donor Program welcomes regular and repeat healthy donors so that it has a steady blood supply for people in need. Antibiotic by injection for an infection acceptable 10 days after last injection. Donated red blood cells can be stored for use for up to 42 days. It should be started at the first sign of genital herpes or cold sore symptoms but is not a cure for these conditions. sore throat, cough, runny nose or diarrhoea for at least 1 week. Its usually given to hospitalized patients or people with weak immune systems. Wait 2 weeks after immunizations for Red Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Polio (by mouth), and Yellow Fever vaccine. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. No. Be careful not to transfer the virus to others; ensure you do not share linen, such as towels. By starting to give when you are young and donating throughout your life, you may save thousands of lives. The .gov means its official. Wait 3 months after receiving any type of organ transplant from another person. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. You can also help peoplefacing emergencies by making a financial donationto support the Red Crosss greatest needs. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Individuals with questions about their donation eligibility can contact the Red Cross Donor and Client Support Center at 1-866-236-3276. All rights reserved. If you have signs or symptoms of hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) caused by a virus, or unexplained jaundice (yellow discoloration of the skin), you are not eligible to donate blood. Last updated on March 7, 2022. Even if symptoms fully abate, valacyclovir should be taken until the prescribed course has been completed. 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. Some people are at high risk of bloodborne infections, which makes them ineligible to donate blood. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Wait at least 6 months following an episode of angina. Also exhibits activity against other viruses that do not code for this enzyme. 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. The reason for antibiotic use must be evaluated to determine if the donor has a bacterial infection that could be transmissible by blood. Includes the Tdap vaccine. Staff members are skilled at making the experience as smooth as possible. Donors who have undergone acupuncture treatments are acceptable. Diabetics who are well controlled on insulin or oral medications are eligible to donate. There are some restrictions on who can donate blood, and you may be wondering can I donate blood if I'm taking medication? 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. How long do I have to take Brilinta after a stent or heart attack? A donor with an acute infection can not donate. 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. You should refer to the prescribing information for valacyclovir for a complete list of interactions.