ACCEPT:

• If lesions are not active or infected
• If donor is taking Dianette (or another oral contraceptive) for acne
• If the donor is taking tetracycline/erythromycin or another antibiotic therapy (except Metronidazole - Flagyl)
• If the donor is taking a diuretic (e.g. spironolactone) for acne only
• Use of a retinoid cream that can be purchased without prescription 

 DEFER:

• For 4 weeks from the last dose of Isotretinoin (Roaccutane), Tretinoin (Retin-A) or Zorac (Tazarotene)
• For 4 weeks after the last application of a prescribed retinoid gel
• For 3 years after taking Acitretin (Neotigason)
• For 2 weeks from the date of full recovery if he/she was prescribed Metronidazole (Flagyl) orally
• For 48 hours after applying Metronidazole (Flagyl) topically
• For 2 weeks after full recovery if they have had a secondary infection

 PERMANENTLY EXCLUDE:

• If donor has EVER taken Etretinate (Tigason)  

SEE IF RELEVANT

• INFECTION

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DEFINITIONS

 Topical: Applied to skin only (includes Retinoids)

Systemic: Taken by mouth or other routes so that it has an effect on the whole body

Antibiotic therapy may be prescribed for acute infection or on a long-term basis. Flagylmay affect recipient safety by causing a severe reaction in a recipient whose blood contains alcohol

Secondary infection of acne is usually obvious with swelling and redness of affected spots and there is a risk of bacteria entering the blood. This could be a serious threat to a recipient of blood as the bacteria can multiply to dangerous levels after the blood is collected

Etretinate (Tigason), acitretin (Neotigason) and isotretinoin (Roaccutane) when taken systemically can cause birth defects in babies if they exposed to them in the womb and it is therefore important to allow time for the drug to be cleared from the blood of a donor. It may take longer for some drugs to clear than others

The absorption of Retinoid gels / creams (that are available only by prescription) when applied topically is minimal. However, females of child-bearing age are advised not to use them if they are pregnant. The Retinoid creams / gels that can be purchased without a prescription would generally be expected to contain much lower levels of retinoids than those that are prescribed