Plasma Donation Medications Guide 2026

Medication Quick Reference

Most common medications do not disqualify you from plasma donation. Here's the breakdown:

Medications Usually Allowed

Cardiovascular

• Blood pressure medications: Lisinopril, Amlodipine, Metoprolol (if blood pressure controlled)
• Cholesterol medications: Statins like Lipitor, Crestor (usually OK)

Mental Health

• Antidepressants: SSRIs (Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro), SNRIs (Effexor, Cymbalta)
• Anti-anxiety: Buspirone (Buspar) usually OK
• ADHD medications: Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse (usually OK)

Hormones

• Birth control: All forms (pills, IUD, implant, patch)
• Thyroid medications: Synthroid, Levothyroxine (if levels stable)
• Hormone replacement: Usually OK for menopause treatment

Pain & Inflammation

• OTC pain relievers: Tylenol, Advil, Aleve
• Prescription NSAIDs: Usually OK
• Muscle relaxers: Usually OK

Other Common

• Allergy medications: Antihistamines like Zyrtec, Claritin, Benadryl
• Acid reflux: Omeprazole, Nexium, Pepcid
• Asthma inhalers: Usually OK

Medications Requiring Deferral

These medications require a waiting period after stopping:

Disqualifying Medications

These medications typically disqualify you from donating:

Blood Thinners

• Warfarin (Coumadin): Disqualifying
• Heparin: Disqualifying
• Eliquis, Xarelto, Pradaxa: Disqualifying
• Note: Aspirin is usually OK

Insulin

• All insulin types: Disqualifying
• Insulin pumps: Automatic disqualification
• Reason: Blood sugar stability concerns

HIV/AIDS Medications

• All antiretrovirals: Disqualifying
• PrEP (Truvada, Descovy): Disqualifying
• Reason: FDA blood safety guidelines

Hepatitis Treatments

• Hepatitis B/C treatments: Usually disqualifying
• Note: History of hepatitis itself may be disqualifying

Immunosuppressants

• Transplant medications: Disqualifying
• Severe autoimmune treatments: Often disqualifying

Common Medication Q&A

Can I donate on antidepressants?

Usually yes. Most SSRIs and SNRIs are allowed. Your condition should be stable.

Can I donate on birth control?

Yes. All forms of birth control are allowed for plasma donation.

Can I donate on blood pressure medication?

Usually yes. If your blood pressure is controlled and within acceptable range at time of donation.

Can I donate on Adderall?

Usually yes. ADHD medications are typically allowed.

Can I donate on antibiotics?

Wait until finished. Complete your antibiotic course, then wait 24-72 hours.

Can I donate on prednisone?

Depends. Short-term use may be OK. Long-term or high-dose may require evaluation.

Tips for Donors on Medications

1. Always disclose: Be honest about all medications during screening
2. Bring your list: Have a list of medications ready
3. Call ahead: Verify eligibility before visiting
4. Stay consistent: Don't skip doses to donate
5. Ask questions: Center staff can clarify policies