Some medications will mean you’re unable to donate.
Antibiotics
You must wait two weeks after recovering from an illness before donating. If you have taken any antibiotics, please wait seven days before donating.
Acne
For skin conditions like acne, you may still be able to donate on antibiotics, get in touch to find out if you can donate.
High blood pressure medication
You can donate on high-blood pressure medication, as long as your dose has not changed for four weeks.
Antihistamines
You can donate if you are symptom-free on the day.
Contraceptives
You can donate while using oral or other contraceptive measures.
Pain killers
You should be able to donate after taking pain killers. We will need to know about any medication you have taken in the days before giving blood and the reason you needed them.
Pain killers for platelet donors
If you have taken any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin, you must wait 48 hours before donating platelets.
Iron supplements
Anaemia
You cannot donate if your doctor or nurse has advised you to take iron supplements to treat anaemia. After treatment, please consult your GP before booking a donation.
You can still donate if you are taking iron supplements as maintenance to prevent anaemia.
B12 injections
You can donate if you’ve completed treatment. You can still donate if you’re receiving preventative maintenance injections every few months.
Other prescribed medications
You cannot donate while taking the following medications:
- Finasteride (Proscar®, Propecia®) and Dutasteride (Avodart®)
- Acitretin (Neotigason®) and Isotretinoin (Roaccutane®)
- Anti-thyroid drugs (e.g. Carbimazole)
- Drugs which suppress the immune system (e.g. Steroids, Methotrexate)
- Sodium Valproate (Epilim, Episenta) and the related drugs valproic acid (Depakote, Convulex)
- Topiramate
You may be able to donate after you stop taking the medication.
Non-prescribed injected drugs
You can never donate if you have ever injected, or been injected with, non-prescribed drugs.
Non-prescribed non-injected drugs
If you have taken non-prescribed drugs, please get in touch before booking to donate.
