This guide is for informational purposes only. Always disclose ALL medications to plasma center staff. Final eligibility is determined by the center's medical team.
Many people taking prescription medications can still donate plasma. The key is understanding which medications are acceptable, which require waiting periods, and which may permanently disqualify you.
Quick Answer
Common medications like BP meds, antidepressants, and birth control are usually fine
Understanding Medication Eligibility
| Category | Examples | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance meds | BP, cholesterol, thyroid | Usually OK |
| Mental health | Antidepressants, anti-anxiety | Usually OK |
| Hormones | Birth control, HRT | Usually OK |
| Antibiotics | For current infection | Temporary deferral |
| Immunosuppressants | Transplant drugs | Permanent deferral |
| Blood thinners | Warfarin, Eliquis | Usually not OK |
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Medications Usually Accepted
Blood Pressure Medications
- Lisinopril, Enalapril (ACE inhibitors)
- Losartan, Valsartan (ARBs)
- Metoprolol, Atenolol (Beta blockers)
- Amlodipine (Calcium channel blocker)
- Hydrochlorothiazide (Diuretic)
Cholesterol Medications
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- Simvastatin (Zocor)
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
- Pravastatin
Mental Health Medications
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Alprazolam (Xanax) - if stable
- Lorazepam (Ativan) - if stable
Thyroid Medications
- Levothyroxine (Synthroid)
- Liothyronine (Cytomel)
- Armour Thyroid
Hormonal Medications
- Birth control pills
- IUD hormones
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Testosterone (if prescribed, monitored)
Diabetes Medications
- Metformin
- Glipizide, Glyburide
- Januvia
- Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro
- Insulin (synthetic/human - check with center)
Other Common Medications
- Omeprazole, Pantoprazole (acid reflux)
- Montelukast (Singulair - allergies)
- Albuterol (asthma inhaler)
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec), Loratadine (Claritin)
- Gabapentin (if stable dose)
Medications Requiring Deferral Periods
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|---|---|---|
| Antibiotics (oral) | Until infection cleared + 24-72 hours | Active infection concern |
| Accutane (isotretinoin) | 1 month after last dose | Birth defects risk |
| Finasteride (Propecia) | 1 month after last dose | Birth defects risk |
| Dutasteride (Avodart) | 6 months after last dose | Birth defects risk |
| Oral steroids | Usually 1-2 weeks after course | Temporary immunity effects |
| Soriatane (acitretin) | 3 years after last dose | Birth defects risk |
Vaccine-Related Deferrals
| COVID-19 vaccine | Usually 24-48 hours |
| Flu shot | Usually 24-48 hours |
| Live vaccines | 2-4 weeks |
| Hepatitis B vaccine | Usually 24 hours |
Medications That May Permanently Defer
These medications often indicate underlying conditions that disqualify donation. It's not always the medication itself, but what it treats.
| Medication Type | Examples | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Anticoagulants | Warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto | Bleeding risk |
| HIV medications | Any antiretroviral | HIV positive status |
| Hepatitis C treatment | Harvoni, Epclusa | HCV status (may change if cured) |
| Immunosuppressants | Transplant rejection drugs | Organ transplant history |
| Cancer chemotherapy | Various | Active cancer treatment |
| Human growth hormone | If from cadaver source | CJD risk (historical) |
| Bovine insulin | Beef-derived insulin | Mad cow disease risk |
Medication Guide by Category
Pain Medications
| Tylenol (acetaminophen) | OK |
| Ibuprofen (Advil) | OK |
| Naproxen (Aleve) | OK |
| Aspirin (daily low-dose) | OK for plasma, may defer blood |
| Prescription opioids | Usually OK if stable, legal prescription |
| Suboxone/Methadone | Usually OK if in treatment program |
Skin Medications
| Topical steroids | OK |
| Topical acne treatments | OK |
| Accutane (oral) | 1 month deferral after stopping |
| Psoriasis biologics | Check with center |
Autoimmune Medications
| Methotrexate | Often OK - check with center |
| Humira, Enbrel | Usually OK for plasma (not blood) |
| Plaquenil | Usually OK |
| Prednisone (chronic) | Check with center |
Tips for Donors on Medications
- Bring a medication list - Include doses and prescribing doctors
- Disclose everything - OTC meds, supplements, and prescriptions
- Take meds as prescribed - Don't skip doses to donate
- Keep medications stable - New meds may require waiting period
- Call ahead - Ask about specific medications before visiting
- Bring pill bottles - Helps staff verify medications
If you're unsure about a medication, call the center before your visit. They can check their medication database and save you a trip if there's an issue.
Find Plasma Centers Near You
Call centers to verify specific medication policies.
Find Plasma CentersFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my medications?
Bringing pill bottles can help verify medications, but it's not always required. Having a written list of medications, doses, and conditions is usually sufficient.
What if I forgot to mention a medication?
Tell staff immediately. They may need to discard your donation if a disqualifying medication wasn't disclosed. Honest disclosure protects patients who receive plasma products.
Can I donate if I just started a new medication?
Usually yes, but some centers prefer you be on a stable dose for 2-4 weeks. This ensures the medication is working and your condition is controlled.
What about marijuana (legal states)?
THC/marijuana use is generally NOT disqualifying at most plasma centers. However, you should not be impaired at the time of donation. Check your specific center's policy.
Will my doctor know I donated?
Plasma centers don't typically notify your doctor. However, if you experience any complications, you should inform your healthcare provider.
This guide is for informational purposes only. Medication policies vary by center and change over time. Always disclose all medications to center staff for the most accurate eligibility determination.
This is just one piece of the puzzle. For everything you need to know about plasma donation in 2026—earnings, centers, eligibility, and pro tips—check out our comprehensive resource: