Organ donation and giving blood

Am I right in thinking that I can't give blood or donate organs with having APS and possible lupus?

[Bacardibabe76]

Hi. I thought you could still be an organ donor as the docs decide what they can or can't use. As for blood donation I think they say call to discuss your condition in more detail 😀

[Hidden in reply to Bacardibabe76]

I'm in the organ donation register. I stopped giving blood a couple years ago as it's so hard for them to get blood out of me. I was just curious?

[peppa]

I have lupus and was told I could still give blood, but to make sure I am feeling OK beforehand. Hope that helps.

[smudge in reply to peppa]

Hi Peppa....can I ask when you were told you could still give blood and do you take any medication? I was told in 2010 that I could no longer give blood as I take hydroxychloroquine so just wondering if this may have changed now!! Maybe I could give again

[Hidden in reply to smudge]

I take hydroxychloroquine too aswell as aspirin every day

[peppa in reply to smudge]

Good morning, you'very made me think now! I too am now on the same meds as you. I have a hospital appt this afternoon and will ask for you. I will message you this evening. Have a good day

[peppa in reply to smudge]

Morning, I spoke to my consultant yesterday as promised about giving blood whilst on hydroxy chloroquine, and she didn't think it was an issue. I can't give blood because I also take Azathioprine, which is an immuno-suppressant, which would obviously not be good for someone receiving blood. I hope this helps you a bit but the blood bano will soon let you know, if not. Keep well x

[Wendy39]

Hello. There has been discussions on this in the past in this site. If I remember correctly donating blood actually depends on what medication you are on. I'm on a complete immune suppressant (MMF) and I think this prevents me donating blood. Plus lots of us lupies have forms of anaemia. Best check with your GP/ Rheumy/nurse at the blood donation clinic.

[PMRpro]

Something to ask them - blood donation does usually depend on what medications you are on. But organ donation depends what you have and even cancer survivors can donate some things, corneas I think for example.

[Penguintaz]

Some medication means yo can't, if you have ever had a blood transfusion or have anemia you can't either. I can no longer donate blood but my organs may still be useful, I am on the register so I guess we'll see

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Hidden ,

As others have said, you can still be an organ donor if you have lupus. If for any reason any organ is unable to be used, then it won't, but the others will be.

Many people with lupus are able to give blood, so long as they are not on certain medications. You can check your eligibility by contacting them through this site - blood.co.uk/who-can-give-bl...

Something that you are not able to donate as somebody with lupus is bone marrow.

[willowwag]

Hi all , found this info from my husbands Welsh Blood Service. booklet as he is a big on blood/platelet donations and has even done 2 bone marrow donations in 3 years which I take my hat of to says he does it for us as how could he ask someone to save me or our family if he won't help someone else...As I can't donate blood myself and he is 0 blood type.

Donation for Lupus SLE sufferers : Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

You may donate as long as:

You feel fit and well You have no associated heart problems You have not had any blood transfusion, plasma exchange or immunoglobulin treatment since 01st January 1980 You have never had a blood clot* You have no other related conditions apart from Raynauds Syndrome** (even if taking painkillers) and you must wait 7 clear days from cortisone/steroid injections You are not currently taking nor have you had any of the following tablets, injections or treatments in the past 12 months:

Azathioprine

CellCept

Ciclosporin

Efalizumab

Enbrel

Etanercept

Humira Injections

Hydroxycarbamide

Hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxyurea

Hydrea

Imuran

Infliximab

Methotrexate

Mycophenolate

Plaquenil

Prednisolone

PUVA

Raptiva

Remicade

Steroids by mouth

Steroid injections - slow release injections

(this does not include a single steroid injection)

Sulfasalazine

*If you have ever had a blood clot, please look up the guidelines for Thrombosis.

**If you also have Raynauds syndrome, the following medications will not prevent you from donating:

Nifedipine

Nicardipine

Amlodopine

Losartan

If you are a COMPONENT/PLATELET DONOR - There are some painkillers and Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs that will affect you donating platelets.