NOTES

In most cases donor deferral for medication relates to the underlying illness for which the medication is prescribed. Therefore, to determine eligibility, the condition / disease and the medication must be taken into account. The name of the medication and the reason it has been prescribed must be known in order to make an informed clinical decision regarding a donor’s eligibility

In many cases traces of medication to which the recipient is exposed would not have an adverse impact. In specific cases medication use requires deferral because of its pharmacological properties

1. ANTIBIOTICS

ACCEPT:

• If on tetracycline or erythromycin or other antibiotic (except oral Metronidazole /Flagyl) for acne, if the lesions are not active or infected

DEFER:

• For 48 hours after the last application of Metronidazole / Flagyl (cream) to skin for acne

• For 7 days after the last dose and for 14 days after full recovery

2. ANTI-COAGULANT THERAPY

SEE IF RELEVANT

• PULMONARY EMBOLISM

3. ANTI-CONVULSANTS

ACCEPT:

• A known epileptic who has not required anti-convulsant therapy for three years and has not been subject to fits during this time (with discretion)

• If used for chronic pain syndromes if the underlying condition is not in itself a reason for deferral and the medication is not teratogenic

4. ANTI-ANDROGENS

DEFER

• If currently taking anti-androgens such as Dutasteride (Avodart or Combodart) or Proscar.
• If Dutasteride (Avodart or Combodart) has been taken in the last 6 months
• If Finasteride (Proscar) has been taken in the last 4 weeks.

SEE IF RELEVANT

• ALOPECIA

• PROSTATE PROBLEMS

5. ANTI-DEPRESSANTS

SEE IF RELEVANT

• DEPRESSIVE ILLNESS

• ANXIETY

• PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS

6. ANTI-FUNGALS

ACCEPT

• Topical

DEFER

• For 7 days after completion of therapy and for 14 days after full recovery

NOTES

Consider the underlying condition

7. ANTI-HISTAMINE

SEE IF RELEVANT

• HAYFEVER

8. ANTI-HYPERTENSIVES

SEE IF RELEVANT

• HYPERTENSION

9. ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES

This includes the use of anti-inflammatory gels / creams applied topically, e.g. Difene Gel, as it is not known how much of the active ingredients are absorbed. If medication containing anti-inflammatories has been taken in the last 2 days, the donated unit must not be used for platelet concentrate production. Assess underlying cause and see relevant entry

10. ANTI-OBESITY MEDICATION

ACCEPT

• If in good health and has no complications / side effects thereof

DEFER

• Donor while taking Ozempic/Saxenda by subcut injection

11. MORNING AFTER CONTRACEPTIVE PILL

ACCEPT

• Providing the high risk exclusions do not apply

12. TERATOGENICITY

Donors taking drugs which are proven or potentially teratogenic e.g. vitamins. A derivatives, should not be accepted for blood donation, while taking / using the medication. Check the relevant entry for the specific deferral periods after stopping the medication. Medication that requires females of childbearing potential to undergo a Pregnancy Prevention programme are teratogenic e.g. Valporate (Epilim) Medication that requires females of childbearing potential to take contraceptive medication or use highly effective contraception measures are proven or potentially teratogenic e.g. Topiramate (Topamax)

13. SPORADIC MEDICATION PRESCRIBED OR NON-PRESCRIBED

Sporadic self-medication with some drugs e.g. vitamins, aspirin, sleeping tablets, need not prevent a donation being accepted, providing the donor is fit and well. If the donor has taken drugs affecting platelet function, (aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs) within the last 5 days or 48 hours respectively, the donation should not be used for the preparation of platelets

14. SEDATIVES

Assess the underlying condition. Medication alone may not contraindicate donation

15. MEDICATION BOUGHT ONLINE

DEFER

It should be remembered that drugs bought over the internet from a non-Irish registered medical practitioner, are not subject to quality control, and may not contain the active ingredients that they claim to contain. They may also contain other ingredients that may lead to adverse reactions. Taking drugs purchased over the internet, should be a reason for deferral on donor and recipient safety grounds