Donating blood
Patients taking medication for pituitary conditions, either for hormone replacement or for treatment of a disorder, may or may not be able to donate blood dependant on what medication they are taking.
NHS Blood and Transplant (UK) have advised us of guidelines for donating blood for pituitary patients and the replacements or medication they may take.
|
Medication or hormone |
Donating blood allowed? |
Comments |
|
Hydrocortisone |
NO |
NHS blood guidelines |
|
Prednisolone |
NO |
|
|
DDAVP Desmopressin |
NO |
|
|
Growth hormone |
Possible |
Depending on reason for treatment |
|
Thyroxine |
YES |
Taking Thyroxine or Levothyroxine does not prevent you from donating, provided you have been on a steady dose for at least three months |
|
Cabergoline |
Possible |
If you are asymptomatic you may be able to donate |
|
Bromocriptine |
||
|
Octreotide |
NO |
NHS blood guidelines |
|
Lanreotide |
||
|
Testosterone |
Possible |
Depending on reason for treatment |
|
Oestrogen/progesterone |
Possible |
If you wish to find out more or confirm if you are eligible to donate blood for the ‘possible’ section if this refers to you, please contact: NHSBT enquiries
Tel: 0300 123 23 23
Or visit http://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/
Also, learn more: www.blood.co.uk
Whilst NHS Blood and Transplant operates in England and North Wales, South Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all have their own Blood services.
- Wales - www.welsh-blood.org.uk
- Scotland - www.scotblood.co.uk
- Northern Ireland - www.nibts.org
If you would like to access the full Donor Selection Guidelines they are available via www.transfusionguidelines.org.uk
