If you have not been vaccinated or it has been less than 4 weeks since being vaccinated, wait 4 weeks from the date of the vaccination or exposure before donating. Here are some resources to figure out where the nearest blood donation center is in your area: Donating blood is a crucial service to the medical field, as millions of people need fresh, healthy blood every day but dont always have access to it. Revised 07/2021.TIME CAP LABORATORIES, INC. However, you must be off of aspirin for at least 2 full days in order to donate platelets by apheresis. Wait until finishing antibiotics for a dental infection. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Some medications affect your eligibility as a blood donor, for the following reasons: Experimental Medication or Unlicensed (Experimental) Vaccine is usually associated with a research study, and the effect on the safety of transfused blood is unknown. Herpes Simplex, Mucocutaneous/Immunocompetent Host, https://www.drugs.com/pro/valacyclovir.html. You may be eligible to donate, depending on your condition. Acceptable if you have a positive skin test or blood test, but no active tuberculosis and are NOT taking antibiotics. Wait 21 days after immunization for hepatitis B as long as you are not given the immunization for exposure to hepatitis B. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Hepatitis B Immune Globulin given for exposure to hepatitis, wait 12 months after exposure to hepatitis. If you ever received a dura mater (brain covering) transplant you are not eligible to donate. ). See your doctor to get tested for herpes and other common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially if youve recently had sex with a new partner. Plasma is a component of your blood. 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. This will prevent the spread of infection. Considervolunteeringorhosting a blood drivethrough the Red Cross. To keep the nations blood supply safe and to protect patients and donors, there are some requirements that donors must meet. In one 2018 study, researchers . Valacyclovir is used to treat infections caused by herpes and varicella-zoster viruses, such as genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox. This content does not have an English version. Please tell us if you: DO NOT discontinue medications prescribed or recommended by your physicians in order to donate blood. Traditionally, its been thought that you can still donate blood if you have HPV as long as you dont have an active infection, as the virus is believed to be transmitted only through direct skin-to-skin contact or sex. Amnesteem, Absorica, Claravis, Myorisan, Zenatane (. Those who have had infection with Babesiosis can donate if it has been 2 years or more since the diagnosis or positive test if donating in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin or Washington, D.C. Acceptable after finishing oral antibiotics for an infection (bacterial or viral). If you have traveled or lived in a malaria-risk country, a waiting period is required before you can donate blood. Discuss your particular situation with your personal healthcare provider and the health historian at the time of donation. hepatitis B medications, such as entecavir, some vaccinations, such as varicella virus or zoster virus vaccine, NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, or naproxen, warfarin, an anticoagulant (blood thinner). Odomzo (sonidegib) capsules, for oral use. If you have a temperature above 99.5 F, you can not donate. The Red Cross does not diagnose medical conditions or offer treatment. If your doctor discontinues your treatment with these blood thinners, wait 2 days before returning to donate. More information about the FDA policy is available for LGBTQ+ donors. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Peak concentrations of acyclovir are reached within one to three hours. Wait at least 6 months following a heart attack. Yes. Available for Android and iOS devices. Platelets are small, tiny cell fragments that form clots to stop you from bleeding. If there is no exposure to monkeypox and you received this vaccine, there is no deferral. Plasma donors may donate as often as every 28 days. Both whole blood donation and apheresis are available, which gives you options as far as the length and frequency of your donations. 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. However, you must wait 2 full days after taking aspirin or any medication containing aspirin before donating platelets by apheresis. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Our highly-specialized educational programs shape leaders to be at the forefront of cancer care and research. Wait until theyre dry and healed. Did you leave the city or resort at any time? Precancerous conditions of the uterine cervix do not disqualify you from donation if the abnormality has been treated successfully. Valacyclovir belongs to the group of medicines known as antivirals. There are other ways to give. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. 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. Before donating, eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water. Data suggests valacyclovir is most effective if started within this time. Will Giving Blood Reduce My COVID-19 Antibodies? Valacyclovir. Most common medications, such as ones used to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or depression are all ok. In some cases, you cant donate blood based on certain health issues or your travel history. Considervolunteeringorhosting a blood drivethrough the Red Cross. Wait at least 8 weeks between whole blood (standard) donations. Medications - While taking some medications means you can't donate, most are ok. Go to your donation appointment well rested and wearing a shirt with sleeves that can be rolled up above your elbows. 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. However, if a live attenuated viral COVID-19 vaccine becomes available and you get it, wait 14 days after being vaccinated before donating blood. Rarely, may cause side effects such as agitation, hallucinations, confusion, or seizures. The .gov means its official. For example, if you take aspirin products on Monday, the soonest you can donate platelets is Thursday. 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. Rarely, may affect the kidneys or cause a bleeding disorder. Antibiotic by injection for an infection acceptable 10 days after last injection. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed. IF you plan to donate in any other state, call 1-800-RED CROSS for more information. Platelet donors may donate as often as every eight days, and up to 24 times in a 12-month period. But a 2019 study of HPV in rabbits and mice called this into question. Can you drink alcohol while taking Brilinta? You must wait 3 days after taking Effient (prasugrel) before donating platelets by apheresis. Also exhibits activity against other viruses that do not code for this enzyme. (This may vary based on your height. This includes people with diabetes who take insulin or oral medications for diabetes management. If youve had the COVID-19 vaccine, your antibody levels wont go down after you give blood. Platelet donors may donate as often as every eight days, and up to 24 times in a 12-month period. Donating blood plasma is similar to donating blood. If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: Note: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All rights reserved. Double red cell donors may donate as often as every 168 days. Acyclovir has activity against several different viruses including herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1), 2 (HSV-2), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Also, avoid touching the rash and then your eyes. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. Anyone who has taken the psoriasis medication etretinate (Tegison), which has been discontinued in the U.S. Acceptable as long as the instruments used were single-use equipment and disposable (which means both the gun and the earring cassette were disposable). While giving blood, you might access wireless internet or watch television or a movie to keep your mind occupied. 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? You can download the travel form and bring it with you to help in the assessment of your travel. Talk with your health care provider before starting or stopping any medications. An official website of the United States government. However, you must wait 2 full days after taking aspirin or any medication containing aspirin before donating platelets by apheresis. Talk with donor center staff about specific requirements. Learn how blood donations help those affected by Sickle Cell Disease. If you have a fever or a . According to the general blood donation criteria, donors must: be at least 16 years of age. Highly selective for thymidine kinase encoded by HSV and VZV viruses which converts acyclovir to acyclovir monophosphate, which is then converted to the diphosphate, then to the active triphosphate. Staff members are skilled at making the experience as smooth as possible. You can also contact blood drive centers like the American Red Cross at 800-RED CROSS to check if youre eligible. 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. If you smoke and you want to donate blood, plan to refrain from smoking on the day of your appointment both before your appointment and for three hours afterward. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. But there are a few precautions you should keep in mind. Please tell us if you: The whole process may take 3 hours. The Red Cross does not test blood donations for the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the principle psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. Valacyclovir is better absorbed than acyclovir. Wait 3 months after using IV drugs that were not prescribed by a physician. Anticoagulants, or blood thinners, prevent blood from clotting. With apheresis collection of plasma and platelets, you may be able to give more frequently than you can with whole blood donation. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. 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. Each whole blood donation may help as many as three people. Eligible 16- and 17-year-old donors will need to have a parent or guardian sign their forms. Select one or more newsletters to continue. If you live with or have had sexual contact with a person who has hepatitis, you must wait 12 months after the last contact. The Food and Drug Administration suggests waiting to donate blood for at least 14 days after a positive diagnostic test for COVID-19 without symptoms or for at least 14 days after symptoms of COVID-19 have completely cleared up. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB). It is not necessarily surgery but the underlying condition that precipitated the surgery that requires evaluation before donation. However you must wait 14 days after taking this medication before donating platelets by apheresis. There is no upper weight limit as long as your weight is not higher than the weight limit of the donor bed/lounge you are using. American Red Cross: Answers to common questions about COVID-19 vaccines and blood, platelet or plasma donation eligibility, When can I donate blood after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine? Requirements by Donation Type, Platelet Donation., Mayo Clinic: Convalescent plasma therapy., New York Blood Center: Plasma Donations., Vitalant Blood donation: Frequently Asked Questions COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)., Bloodworks Northwest: Information about Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19)., FDA: Updated Information for Blood Establishments Regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic and Blood Donation.. 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. Contact your blood donation center if you develop COVID-19 symptoms after youve given blood. This requirement is related to concerns about the brain disease, Creutzfeld-Jacob Disease (CJD). A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Teriflunomide treats relapsing multiple sclerosis. But the benefits of donating blood arent, Discover whether you can donate blood if you have a tattoo. Sometimes, it's not possible to donate, or we may ask that you wait before donating again. Diabetics who are well controlled on insulin or oral medications are eligible to donate. You may still be able to donate whole blood. If you are taking valacyclovir for genital herpes or cold sores avoid sexual contact until you have finished the course of treatment. You'll be notified if any of these tests are positive. Someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds. Last updated on March 7, 2022. Eligible 16-year-olds can donate blood in Minnesota. It is not on their list of medicines that you are unable to donate if you take. All additional blood donation eligibility criteria will apply. Donors must have the consent of a parent or guardian and weigh at least 110 pounds (about 50 kilograms). You are aged between 18 and 65. Acceptable if you were vaccinated with SHINGRIX (shingles vaccine) providing you are symptom-free and fever-free. So, if you are currently taking medication and want to know if you can give blood, check the top 40 acceptable and unacceptable medications first. 4.Can you donate blood with a cold? For more information about other medications, contact the Blood Donor Program. However, you must wait 2 days after taking Feldene (piroxicam) before donating platelets by apheresis. Clicking on links above and printing the forms, Calling the Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Program at, Obtaining copies at one of the donation center locations or a mobile blood drive, Anyone who has used injected drugs, steroids or another substance not prescribed by a doctor in the past three months, Men who have had sexual contact with other men in the past three months, Anyone who has a congenital coagulation factor deficiency, Anyone who has engaged in sex for money or drugs in the past three months, Anyone who, in the past 12 months, has had close contact with lived with or had sexual contact with a person who has viral hepatitis, Anyone who has had babesiosis, a rare and severe tick-borne disease, or the parasitic infection Chagas' disease. When you donate blood, a special machine is used to separate plasma from blood and make plasma available to be given to a donor. 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. If you take these drugs and donate blood, you may experience excessive bleeding and bruising. Papillomavirus can be transmitted through the blood and produce infections in blood recipients: Evidence from two animal models. Every 15 seconds, someone in the United States needs platelets. Tested positive for COVID-19 with or without symptoms in the last 14 days, Had COVID-19 symptoms in the last 14 days, Weigh at least 110 pounds. Growth hormone received after 1985 is acceptable. Theyll be able to test your blood for any of these conditions, help you navigate the process for donating blood, and walk you through any guidelines for how often and how much blood you can give. Acceptable if you have sickle cell trait. 2022. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Available at: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=2eda833b-1357-4ed4-a093-194524fcb061&type=pdf. You must weigh at least 110 lbs to be eligible for blood donation for your own safety. Be in good health, feeling well, and not taking antibiotics. Wait 3 months if there is any question whether or not the instruments used were single-use equipment. Learn more about hepatitis and blood donation. Talk to your doctor if youre not sure whether its OK to donate blood if you have HPV. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern time), Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Eastern time). The dosage of valacyclovir needs to be reduced in people with kidney disease. It can cause miscarriage, premature birth, and severe birth defects. Is Brilinta a blood thinner or antiplatelet? What foods should I eat or avoid when taking Brilinta? Wait 3 months after treatment for syphilis or gonorrhea. If you're in good health and meet the general eligibility criteria, then you are likely able to give blood. This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis and HIV. Wait for 3 days after having oral surgery. Most chronic illnesses are acceptable as long as you feel well, the condition is under control, and you meet all other eligibility requirements. Double red cell donation takes about 30 minutes longer than a whole blood donation. The Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Program doesn't test blood donors for the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Your eligibility will be based on the reason that the medication was prescribed. Revision date: March 30, 2022. prednisone, acyclovir, Valtrex, Zovirax, Deltasone, lysine, tetracaine topical, benzocaine topical, famciclovir, valganciclovir. Illness Deferrals Information About Medications A tattoo is acceptable if the tattoo was applied by a state-regulated entity using sterile needles and ink that is not reused. In many cases, the answer is. Wait until you have completed antibiotic treatment for sinus, throat or lung infection. Common reasons include: If youre planning to donate blood but youre not sure if youre healthy enough, ask your doctor. Resistant strains of HSV and VZV have been reported. Wait 2 weeks if you were vaccinated with a live attenuated COVID-19 vaccine. Donor Deferral for Men Who Have Had Sex With Men (MSM). 25 ways to protect yourself from illness. You can call 866-236-3276 to speak with an eligibility specialist about your travel. Forbes added that donating blood after getting a shot will not impact the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine. These persons are at higher risk for exposure to infectious diseases. If you take any of these, you may not be eligible to donate platelets for a certain time period. Adequate hydration must be maintained otherwise acyclovir can precipitate in the renal tubules if its solubility is exceeded in the intratubular fluid. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. Wait 3 months if a piercing was performed using a reusable gun or any reusable instrument. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal government site. Come prepared to your donation process with your travel details when you donate. Because plasma is part of your blood, the same rules apply if you have herpes, whether you have HSV-1 or HSV-2: Maybe. There is no risk of contracting COVID-19 from a blood, A transfusion reaction is when your body has an adverse response to a blood transfusion. The reason for antibiotic use must be evaluated to determine if the donor has a bacterial infection that could be transmissible by blood. Separate requirements for hemoglobin level apply for Power Red. Consult your healthcare professional (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) for more in formation. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Includes the Tdap vaccine. If youve taken them in the past, you can never donate blood: The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. These drugs are used to treat or prevent blood clots and prevent strokes. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Donors who have undergone acupuncture treatments are acceptable. If you're taking antibiotics, you must complete the course before donating. Age. If you have active tuberculosis or are being treated for active tuberculosis you can not donate. Most cases are temporary and go away on their own without any treatment. You'll also be given a. To donate blood, you must: Be in general good health. Generally, donors are compensated for their time. Wait if you do not feel well on the day of donation. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy because acyclovir (the active form of valacyclovir) crosses the placenta into the unborn child. Donating blood is safe and easy to do. Injectable HIV Prevention (PrEP and PEP) medications Apretude (cabotegravir ) are shots given for exposure to HIV, you must wait 2 years after the last dose of medication to donate. "All employees involved in blood collection are self-monitoring their . Be sure to list all medications that you take before giving blood. As long as youre not actively infected or the virus has left your body, you can donate blood. If you have a shingles rash or a cold sore, try and keep it as clean and dry as possible. These high-risk groups include: Your medical record is viewed only as needed by Mayo Clinic Blood Program nurses and physicians. Eating the right things before you donate blood can reduce your risk for side effects. Wait 3 years after living more than 5 years in a country or countries where malaria is found. Acceptable after dental procedures as long as there is no infection present. FAMCICLO; VAL; ACYCLOVIR/VARICELLA; ZOSTER LIVE VACCINE. Dont donate until its been at least 48 hours since youve finished taking any antiviral treatment. 16 years old with parental/guardian consent. The blood drives and the blood donor locations on Mayo Clinic's campuses in Jacksonville, Florida, and Rochester, Minnesota, make it easy and convenient to donate blood. If you have been diagnosed with vCJD, CJD or any other TSE or have a blood relative diagnosed with genetic CJD (e.g., fCJD, GSS, or FFI) you cannot donate. Unable to Give Blood? Donated red blood cells can be stored for use for up to 42 days. The cycle is repeated a few times till enough plasma is collected. 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. Apheresis takes up to two hours, which is longer than it takes to donate whole blood. If you ever received a transplant of animal organs or of living animal tissue - you are not eligible to donate blood.