Providing you’re fit and well, you may be able to give blood while taking regular medication. However, there are some exceptions:
Antibiotics
- Please wait two weeks from recovery and at least seven days after completing a course of antibiotics before giving blood.
- If you are taking antibiotics for your skin, you may still be able to give blood.
Flu vaccine
- You can give blood provided you are feeling well and have had no adverse side effects to the vaccination.
Shingles vaccine
- Whether you can donate depends on the brand of vaccine you have had. If you have had Shingrix®, you can donate immediately. This may not be the case with other brands.
- Please make sure you know the name of the vaccine before you come to session.
High blood pressure medication
- You can give blood while taking high blood pressure medication.
- If your blood pressure medication changes, you’ll have to wait at least four weeks before giving blood.
Antihistamines
- You can give blood provided you are symptom free on the day.
Contraceptives
- You can give blood while using oral or other contraceptive measures.
Painkillers
- You can usually give blood after taking painkillers.
- Please make sure you tell us about them, as they may affect how we use your donation.
Iron supplements
- You are unable to give blood if you have been advised to take iron supplements by your doctor or nurse.
Specific medications
You will be unable to give blood while taking the following medications, and for a variable length of time afterwards:
- Finasteride (Proscar®, Propecia®)
- Dutasteride (Avodart®, Acitretin®, Neotigason®)
- Isotretinoin (Roaccutane®)
- Valproate (Epilim®, Epival®, Episenta®, Convulex® or Depakote®)
- Topiramate (Topamax®)
- Anti-thyroid drugs (e.g. Carbimazole)
- Modafinil (Provigil®)
- Drugs which suppress the immune system (e.g. Prednisolone)
- Pre and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP and PrEP /Truvada®) for HIV prevention (see sexual relations for more information)