So tomorrow I'm going to be participating in the blood drive at my school. However, I read in the form that you are not supposed to be giving blood if you are addicted to drugs. Now, I have to take two advils every 6 hours for very painful chronic pain in my back (that was redundant), and, I also have to take 72 miligrams of Concerta each morning because I have ADD. Now, I'm not addicted to either of these medications, but I'm worried that I wont be able to give blood because I have to take such high doses. Will this be a problem? And if it is, do you think it will be smart to just skip it for a couple of hours?
2006-09-21 18:01:28 · 8 answers · asked by Sarah . 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
Advil is not addictive so that's not an issue. Concerta may cause a form of dependency but it's not what they are talking about. You need to take your meds as you usually do and the blood drive screener will tell you if they are approved for donors in your area or not. If not and you really want to donate you need to talk to your doctor about options.
Drugs like aspirin and Advil (ibuprofen) make the blood platelets less effective so it is important to know you take this medicine so the platelets will not be used. The plasma and red cells should be fine and blood is still worth collecting. You need to stop these drugs about 48 to 72 hours before donating so skipping a dose tonight or tomorrow won't help. Suddenly stopping some medications can actually be dangerous so always check with your doctor before doing so.
I have chronic pain and often take NSAIDS to help with it. I've found that I can usually deal with three days on just Tylenol (acetaminophen) to be able to donate. I take a dose of my usual med with me and take it after donating.
2006-09-21 18:10:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't skip your medication! That's dangerous. Make sure you tell the person in the interview they give before you donate. You may not be able to give blood, but it's not worth skipping your medication. Plus the reason you may not be able to give blood is because the medications are in your blood stream. If your blood is given to someone else, they will suddenly be on the medications that you are on. That may not be good for them.
Maybe you could donate something else like platelets or something.
2006-09-21 18:14:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have donated blood. I am also taking medication for high blood pressure and arthritis. Make a note of all medications. The screeners will inform you if you can donate. You maybe saving a life. You would be a hero in my book. Thank You.
2006-09-21 18:21:20 · answer #3 · answered by Jeff W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think either of those make any different. They are talking street drugs and the risks associated with it and not prescription drugs. I don't think either of those drugs will have any effect on blood for donation.
2006-09-21 19:04:17 · answer #4 · answered by inoshishi_06 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask them first. I know that they ask you if you have advil in your system, but you may not be able to participate.
Just out of curiousity (and no offense to you, and if you take offense i apologize), but is your liver in good condition? it really intrigues me with how much pain medication you take.
Sorry again if i offended you =/
2006-09-21 18:11:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ask the peeps-personally, i don't think i would really want your blood-no offense-if it was all there was and i was dying, that would be one thing. Maybe it depends on how these meds are processed and stored by your body.
2006-09-21 18:11:05 · answer #6 · answered by mom is a freak 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't skip your meds. tell them about it when you get there and then they will tell you if you can give blood or not.
2006-09-21 18:03:56 · answer #7 · answered by new yorkr 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would speak to them first before you do anything
2006-09-21 18:03:00 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋