Can I donate blood if I take acne medication?
What this means
- Topical creams and most acne antibiotics: usually fine.
- Isotretinoin: wait roughly one month after your final dose.
- Bring the exact medication name to screening.
What to do next
If you take isotretinoin, plan to donate about a month after your last dose.
When to call the center: Call to confirm the wait if you are on or recently finished isotretinoin.
If you need to wait
About one month after the last isotretinoin dose.
Exact timing is confirmed by the center. Set a reminder so you do not have to track it.
Set a return reminderWhy this rule exists
Isotretinoin can cause birth defects, so blood collected during use is not given to patients.
This is general educational guidance, not a final eligibility decision. Donation centers make final eligibility decisions during confidential screening. Rules may vary by center, donation type, location, and current policy.
Were you already turned away for this reason? See the comeback plan
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Related questions
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Read the full pledgeSources and review
The guidance on this page reflects published criteria from these organizations. Eligibility and procedures vary by center and country, so confirm specifics with your donation center.
- American Red Cross
- AABB (Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Blood Donation
- Canadian Blood Services
- Last reviewed:
- Next review due:
- Reviewed by:
- Reviewed against American Red Cross, AABB, and U.S. FDA donor guidance
- Confidence:
- High confidence