Can people with Rheumatoid Arthritis who take methotrexate still be blood or organ donors?
Obviously, I have RA and take methotrexate (a chemo drug) along with prednisone and ibuprofen.
For years, I've held an organ donor card and have been on the national bone marrow registry. I used to give blood, but no longer do because of anemia.
I'm wondering if all of this makes it impossible for my organs or tissues to be donated after my death.
Any ideas?
***I posted this in the health section about 20 minutes ago. So far, no answers. Everyone here seems pretty knowledgeable, so you are the people to ask.
2007-03-28 05:06:16 · 20 answers · asked by iamnoone 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
(((((Gorgeoustxwoman)))))
Hugs to all.
2007-03-28 05:12:15 · update #1
Big thanks and a thumbs up to all who answered.
2007-03-28 05:17:11 · update #2
I've missed you AVATARD. Big hugs.
2007-03-28 05:23:11 · update #3
According to the Savannah Red Cross, if you take "chemotherapy-type drugs used for conditions other than cancer (examples: bleomycin, interferon, methotrexate) - wait 4 weeks from last dose." I also noted that the FDA required a recall of blood found to be take from a donor using methotrexate although the recall notice was several years old. However the American Red Cross does not have this restriction so I suspect it used to be banned and is not anymore, depending on your location.
As far as organ donation, the government clearinghouse site does not mention restrictions. I suspect it will depend more on the state of your organs at the time.
2007-03-28 05:12:31 · answer #1 · answered by Dave P 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I really don't know but it seems like if your organs are healthy you would be fine. I'm sure if methotrexate is a chemo drug it's doing damage to some organs but I'm sure others are perfectly fine. And who knows what your organs would be donated to- maybe if they can't be used by another person they could be put to good scientific use- which is just as good if you ask me- it doesn't personally help anyone but it help society as a whole.
2007-03-28 05:16:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry about the RA. . .I've seen firsthand how rough that made life for a friend of mine. Good thoughts and positive energy comin' your way, friend.
From what I understand, it will depend on the condition of the organs and tissue at the time of harvesting. The RA doesn't automatically disqualify a person from donating their organs, but it will be up to the discretion of the physician to determine if they're useable.
((((hugs back atcha))))
2007-03-28 05:20:26 · answer #3 · answered by Wolfeblayde 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd talk to my doctor. I would think that if you can't give blood, then you can't be an organ donor. After all, your organs use your blood and if you have any kind of blood related problems they can make your organs harder for the recipiant to adjust. I know nothing about organ donation or the requirements, so I'm just guessing.
2007-03-28 05:11:20 · answer #4 · answered by sister steph 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, you cannot donate blood if you take Methotrexate. Because this drug has various side-effects such as: Anemia & neutropenia (Low number of white blood cells). The best thing to do, is wait for a while until the effects of drug disappear.
2007-03-28 05:15:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Im not sure if you can be a donor, but I do know the drug is very hard on your system as a whole. A friend of mine was on that for her R/A and lupus and it caused all kinds of things to happen to her. She went in to have the veins in her neck cleaned out 2 years after the drug and ended up dying as a result of how harsh this drug is.
2007-03-28 05:12:05 · answer #6 · answered by tebone0315 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I googled for ya. BTW, good on you for being an organ donor. I wish everyone would!
Should my age or health condition influence my decision to become an organ and tissue donor?
No. While medical history and age are factors, most people CAN donate. People with diabetes, hepatitis, and cancer sometimes CAN donate their organs. The only individuals who cannot donate are those who test positive for the HIV virus. Age criteria are evaluated individually.
2007-03-28 05:10:44 · answer #7 · answered by glitterkittyy 7 · 9⤊ 0⤋
I had similar concerns due to some medication that I was on. My doctor told me that it would really depend on the condition of the organs due to the medication. He said that medications themselves wouldn't affect the organ donation, but the effect of the medications on my organs. He said that there is no sure way to say yes or no until they actually look at my organs.
2007-03-28 05:14:20 · answer #8 · answered by photogrl262000 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wow, I'm afraid I have no authority to answer you but I'm sorry you're in such pain. I hope the meds work and kudos to you for being a donor.
Is there an organ donation website you could ask, if you don't get any joy here?
Hope you mend.
2007-03-28 05:19:12 · answer #9 · answered by Bad Liberal 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Contact your local transplant center. Methotrexate is an immunosuppresive drug that is sometimes given to transplant recipients to prevent rejection. RA is not automatically exclusionary.
2007-03-28 05:20:43 · answer #10 · answered by novangelis 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋