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Medication and donation

If you are taking medication temporarily or permanently, the medication itself is usually not an obstacle to giving blood. However, the health reason for which you are prescribed the medication is often a reason for delay.

You cannot donate temporarily with these medications

Either way, unfortunately, you may not donate blood, plasma or platelets temporarily if you are taking any of the following medications:

  • Dutasteride (Avodart, Prostatex, Combodart): 6 months after cessation of use you can donate.
  • Finasteride (Proscar): 4 weeks after cessation of use, you can donate.
  • Valproate (Depakine, Convulex): 2 weeks after cessation of use you can donate. Note: only if the drug is not used in the context of epilepsy.
  • Isotretinoin (Roaccutane): 2 months after cessation of use you can donate.
  • Neotigason: 3 years after cessation of use you can donate.
  • Gender-affirming hormonal treatment: 3 months after your hemoglobin level has adjusted to the new hormonal situation, you can donate as a transgender person. Although the intramuscular administration of androgens must always be done on medical prescription and in a medically compliant manner. With the use of sterile needles and registered drugs.
  • Virus-inhibiting medication to prevent HIV infection (so-called PEP or PrEP, post-exposure or pre-exposure prophylaxis): the deferral period depends on the risk situation that triggers the use of the medication. That risk situation can be about sexual behavior or about a wound caused by bite, cut or puncture, for example. With that preventive antiviral medication, the risk of contracting HIV infection in a high-risk contact is negligible. When you do become infected, the viral inhibitors allow the viral load in your body to remain very low, making it unlikely that you could infect someone yourself through sexual contact. However, the virus can still be transmitted through a blood transfusion. There is also a real chance that our tests - although very sensitive - do not pick up the low viral load.
  • NSAIDs or aspirin derivative: 3 to 6 days after discontinuation, you can donate platelets again. No delay is required for donating blood or plasma.

With this medication, you can never donate

You unfortunately can never give blood, plasma or platelets in this case:

  • When you are HIV-positive and take antiretroviral medication(ART, antiretroviral therapy) for it.