Obligatory | Must not donate if: |
Discretionary | If donor is being treated with Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine or Hydroxychloroquine as maintainance treatment for Arthritis or to treat alopecia and has no associated cardiovascular disease, accept. |
See if Relevant | Cardiovascular Disease |
Additional Information | Treatment to suppress the condition may be with monoclonal antibodies (e.g. Adalimumab (Humira), Etanercept (Enbrel), Infliximab (Remicade), Rituximab (Mab Thera) etc), steroids, immunosuppressive drugs, antimetabolites, as well as other therapies such as PUVA (psoralen plus ultraviolet A). These will affect the donor's immune system. This may make the donor more susceptible to certain types of infection and also will make some infections more difficult to diagnose. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine and Hydroxychloroquine, are treatments which do not affect the donor’s immune system in this way. If Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine and Hydroxychloroquine are used as maintainance treatment for Arthritis and donor fits the rest of the criteria they may be accepted. Physical therapies such as physiotherapy and hydrotherapy are not considered treatments to suppress the condition. Autoimmune disease can cause problems such as infertility and thrombosis (antiphospholipid or Hughes' syndrome). Some autoimmune conditions can permanently damage the cardiovascular system. If this is known to have happened, the person should not donate as they are more likely to have a serious adverse event. |
Information | Part of this entry is a requirement of the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005. |
Reason for change | The addition of monoclonal antibodies to the list of agents that may affect a donor’s immune system. |
Donor Information | If you wish to obtain more information regarding a personal medical issue please contact your National Help Line. |
This entry was last updated in:
DSG-WB Edition 203, Release 38.