Category: Blood donation

While most over-the-counter pain relievers are acceptable, the answer to 'Why shouldn't you take ibuprofen before giving blood?' lies in the type of donation. Ibuprofen is generally fine for whole blood donation but can impact eligibility for platelet donations [1.2.1, 1.2.5].

Over 35 million Americans take statins, and many worry if this common medication prevents them from donating blood. The good news is, for the vast majority of people on cholesterol-lowering drugs, the answer to **Can I give blood on statins?** is a resounding yes, provided their underlying health is stable.

According to the American Red Cross, someone in the U.S. needs blood or platelets every two seconds. For prospective platelet donors, understanding **why you can't take ibuprofen before donating blood** is critical, as this common over-the-counter medication temporarily impairs the function of platelets.

According to major blood collection services like the American Red Cross, most prescribed medications do not prevent an individual from donating blood. This generally includes those who are asking, **can you donate blood while on statins?**, as eligibility typically depends on the underlying health condition, not the drug itself.