Take care with medications when donating blood

Today we thank everyone who donates blood or plasma! Thanks to them, patients can be helped after accidents, surgeries or in case of serious diseases. To give blood is to save lives.

Medicines and blood donation: is it allowed?

Are you on medication and want to donate blood or plasma? Then it is important to check if this is allowed. Usually there is no objection, but sometimes a medication - or the reason why you are taking it - can cause you to be (temporarily) prohibited from giving blood. This is to ensure that the recipient of your blood is not at risk.

Examples of medicines and the rules according to Sanquin

Sanquin is a not-for-profit organization that provides blood supply in the Netherlands. In addition to collecting, processing and issuing blood products, Sanquin is engaged in conducting research and providing education. Sanquin has established clear guidelines for blood donation. Below are some common examples:

Paracetamol
May I donate blood or plasma if I have taken paracetamol?
Yes, you may if you use it occasionally and you otherwise feel well.
Antibiotics
May I donate blood or plasma if I take antibiotics?
No, during a course of treatment and as long as you still have symptoms you may not donate. Only when you have recovered can you donate again.
Isotretinoin (for acne)
May I donate blood or plasma if I use Isotretinoin?
No, this is a medication that can cause serious harm to an unborn child. You may not donate again until 6 months after the last intake.
Methotrexate (for rheumatism or cancer)
May I donate blood or plasma if I use Methotrexate?
Methotrexate and other drugs that suppress the immune system may be a problem. Please contact the blood bank for this 088-730 8686.
Lithium (for mood disorders)
May I donate blood or plasma if I use Lithium?
No, donation is not permitted.
Finasteride and dutasteride (for prostate problems)
May I donate blood or plasma if I use Finasteride or dutasteride?
No, there is a risk for pregnant recipients. You may only donate again after a waiting period of several months.

Also medical procedures can affect

Scopy (keyhole examination)
With a stiff scopeyou may donate once the wound has healed and no abnormalities have been found.
With a flexible scope, you may donate only after four months.
With a echo (internal or external), you may donate immediately if the results are good.