Can Someone With Rheumatoid Arthritis Donate Blood

Can Some Medications Affect How Often You Can Give Blood

Certain medications may make you ineligible to donate, either permanently or in the short term. For example, if youre currently taking antibiotics, you cant donate blood. Once youre done with the course of antibiotics, you may be eligible to donate.

The following list of medications may make you ineligible to donate blood, depending on how recently you took them. This is only a partial list of medications that may affect your donation eligibility:

• blood thinners, including antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs
• antibiotics to treat an acute active infection
• acne treatments, such as isotretinoin
• hair loss and benign prostatic hypertrophy medications, such as finasteride
• basal cell carcinoma skin cancer medications, such as vismodegib and sonidegib
• oral psoriasis medication, such as acitretin
• rheumatoid arthritis medication, such as leflunomide

When you register for a blood donation, be sure to discuss any medications you may have taken in the past few days, weeks, or months.

Inflammation And Other Forms Of Arthritis

Some infections can lead to joint destruction and this occurs much quicker than with other forms of arthritis. It is crucial to rule out an infection when arthritis affects a single joint.

Gout: A common and painful condition that affects the joints and tendons. Small crystals of uric acid form in and around the joint which causes inflammation, pain and swelling. An attack of gout usually comes on very quickly, often overnight. The joint becomes red, swollen and painful. It often affects one joint at a time, such as the big toe.

Inflammation: A localised physical condition in which part of the body becomes reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful. Inflammation is a common symptom of arthritis, and is the cause and the result of all forms of arthritis.

This info sheet was reviewed and updated by Prof. Susanna Proudman, Medical Director, Arthritis Australia and Dr Stephen Adelstein, Pathology Awareness Australia ambassador.

How Is Ra Diagnosed

RA is diagnosed by reviewing symptoms, conducting a physical examination, and doing X-rays and lab tests. Its best to diagnose RA earlywithin 6 months of the onset of symptomsso that people with the disease can begin treatment to slow or stop disease progression . Diagnosis and effective treatments, particularly treatment to suppress or control inflammation, can help reduce the damaging effects of RA.

Also Check: Is Broccoli Bad For Arthritis

Lymphoma Linked To Tnf Inhibitors

There have been two cases of RA patients developing a rare and fatal type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma called hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma while taking Humira , a TNF inhibitor. The FDA also

reported 40 other cases in patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis who were taking Humira, as well as other TNF inhibitors and immunosuppressantsall of which are also prescribed for RA. Although the agency says it is difficult to know the risk of these drugs because the conditions on their own are associated with increased lymphoma risk, it says the risks and benefits should be “carefully weighed when prescribing these drugs to children and young adults.”

Please Fill Out Our Online Application And We Will Contact You With More Information About This Program

Program details:

• Must be diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and have rheumatoid factor test results from the past 12 months available for review.
• Individuals with rheumatoid factor results from lupus, sarcoidosis, or other conditions will also be considered for the program.
• Must meet FDA and PLI requirements.
• Must be available to make plasma donations during PlasmaLabs business hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 3:30 pm, and Friday, 8 am to 11 am.
• Program is open to residents of NW Washington qualified donors who live 50+ miles from PlasmaLab in Everett may receive a travel stipend for each plasma donation.
• Out-of-state candidates will be considered PlasmaLab offers a travel compensation package to approved out-of-state candidates.
• For those accepted into our Rheumatoid Factor Antibody Program, all plasma donations take place at our medical center in Everett WA.

You May Like: Stop Arthritis In Fingers

Complementary Therapies Which Use Needles Or Break The Skin

You can give blood as long as:

1. the reason you had treatment doesn’t stop you giving blood, and

2. your treatment was performed by an NHS professional or a qualified healthcare professional

If you were treated by someone who was not a registered health care professional, you’ll have to wait four months before giving blood. Registered healthcare professionals include doctors, dentists, registered nurses, physiotherapists and others. Contact us if you’re not sure.

Who Should Diagnose And Treat Ra

A doctor or a team of doctors who specialize in care of RA patients should diagnose and treat RA. This is especially important because the signs and symptoms of RA are not specific and can look like signs and symptoms of other inflammatory joint diseases. Doctors who specialize in arthritis are called rheumatologists, and they can make the correct diagnosis. To find a provider near you, visit the database of rheumatologistsexternal icon on the American College of Rheumatology website.

Don’t Miss: How To Stop Arthritis In Hands

How Other Medications Affect Anemia In Arthritis

Aside from NSAIDs, other medications may lead to forms of anemia as well.

Some disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs like methotrexate , sulfasalazine , and leflunomide used to treat RA have been associated with aplastic anemia. This rare, but serious, form of anemia occurs when theres damage to your bone marrow and your body stops producing enough new blood cells. Loss of bone marrow caused by certain drugs used to treat lupus can also reduce red blood cell production, according to the Lupus Foundation of America.

Different types of anemia are treated in different ways. Your doctor will need to determine the cause of your anemia in order to figure out next steps.

Can I Donate Plasma With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!

HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.

Also Check: Arthritis On One Side Of Body

Outbreaks And New Infections

New infections can emerge at any time, so our rules can change at short notice. Please check back each time you’re preparing to give blood.

Every time you come to give blood we will ask you: whether you were born abroad whether you have lived or worked abroad for more than six months and whether you have had any illnesses during or after travel abroad.It is very important you tell us about your recent travel, if you were ill while abroad, or shortly after you came back. Different rules may apply if you have lived in one of these countries for more than six months. Please get in touch before coming along to give blood.You should also check our additional eligibility criteria before giving blood. Talk to one of our advisers before coming along to give blood, on 0345 90 90 999.

• Australia
• Austria

• French Southern and Antarctic Lands
• Fuerteventura

• Greece and the Greek Islands
• Greenland

• South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
• Spain

• West Bank

What Are The Complications Of Ra

Rheumatoid arthritis has many physical and social consequences and can lower quality of life. It can cause pain, disability, and premature death.

• Premature heart disease. People with RA are also at a higher risk for developing other chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. To prevent people with RA from developing heart disease, treatment of RA also focuses on reducing heart disease risk factors. For example, doctors will advise patients with RA to stop smoking and lose weight.
• Obesity. People with RA who are obese have an increased risk of developing heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Being obese also increases risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Finally, people with RA who are obese experience fewer benefits from their medical treatment compared with those with RA who are not obese.
• Employment. RA can make work difficult. Adults with RA are less likely to be employed than those who do not have RA. As the disease gets worse, many people with RA find they cannot do as much as they used to. Work loss among people with RA is highest among people whose jobs are physically demanding. Work loss is lower among those in jobs with few physical demands, or in jobs where they have influence over the job pace and activities.

You May Like: What Can I Take For Arthritis Pain In My Hands

How Does Donating Plasma Work

Plasma donation comes from whole blood. Plasma is the liquid part of your blood. It carries vital minerals, hormones, and nutrients throughout the body and maintains blood pressure in a healthy range. Plasma or its components are used to treat many conditions.

You will have to go to a special facility or clinic to make a blood plasma donation. Some places will even pay you to donate. A plasmapheresis appointment can take 1.52 hours to complete.

You will be told to lie back and a needle will be inserted into your arm. Blood is drawn through the attached line into a machine that separates the plasma from the other components. The cellular components of your blood, along with saline, are returned to your body through the line.

Imaging Tests Used In Prognosis

Severalimaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasound, can help doctors detect the degree of inflammation and joint deterioration in patients. While these dont conclusively give a prognosis, they assist in monitoring symptoms and adjusting treatments along the way to ensure the best possible outcome.

Read Also: Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare Up After Surgery

How Is Anemia Treated

Managing your inflammatory arthritis is step one if you have ACD. Reducing inflammation in the body can help alleviate both joint symptoms and anemia, and improve your overall well-being.

If you have low iron levels contributing to your anemia, your doctor may suggest taking iron supplements and making changes to your diet. In some cases, adjustments may be made to your RA meds. If you suspect you have anemia, talk to your doctor, who can determine the safest steps for you.

If symptoms of anemia become severe, your doctor may consider doing a blood transfusion or injections of a synthetic hormone called erythropoietin, which may help stimulate red blood cell production.

Treating anemia is critical to not only help you feel better from symptoms like fatigue, but also to prevent serious health complications, such as heart problems like an irregular heartbeat or heart failure.

Why It Is Safe To Donate

As long as you are in good health aside from having arthritis and do not meet any donor exemptions , donating blood is perfectly safe both for you and those who receive your blood.

In the past, people with autoimmune types of arthritis and other autoimmune diseases were banned from donating blood. This was due to concerns that circulating autoantibodies in people with autoimmune diseases could transfer from donor to recipient. However, a large population-based study of blood donors confirms this is not the case.

The study, published in the journal Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, used data from 938,942 blood donors in a DanishSwedish database and found no evidence that rheumatoid arthritis can be transmitted through blood transfusion.

Side effects and risks of blood donation are the same for people with arthritis as for other donors: You may feel lightheaded or dizzy after donating, and you may develop a bruise near the site of the blood draw.

A typical donation is equivalent to 1 pint of blood. Your body replenishes the lost fluid within 24 hours of a donation and it takes another four to six weeks for red blood cells to regenerate. This has no effect on your arthritis symptoms or disease management.

Read Also: Pain Relief For Rheumatoid Arthritis In Hands

Can Anyone Donate

According to the American Red Cross, there are some criteria with regard to who can donate blood.

• In most states, you must be at least 17 years old to donate platelets or plasma and at least 16 years old to donate whole blood. Younger donors may be eligible in certain states if theyve a signed parental consent form. Theres no upper age limit.
• For the above types of donations, you must weigh at least 110 pounds.
• You must be feeling well, with no cold or flu symptoms.
• You must be free of any open cuts or wounds.

Red blood cell donors usually have different criteria.

• Male donors must be at least 17 years old no shorter than 5 feet, 1 inch tall and weigh at least 130 pounds.
• Female donors must be at least 19 years old no shorter than 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weigh at least 150 pounds.

Females tend to have lower blood volume levels than males, which accounts for the gender-based differences in donation guidelines.

There are certain criteria that may make you ineligible to donate blood, even if you meet the age, height, and weight requirements. In some cases, though, you may be eligible to donate at a later date.

You may not be able to donate blood if any of the following apply to you:

Donating blood is a fairly simple and safe procedure, but there are a few steps you can take to help reduce the risk of any complications.

How Is Ra Treated

RA can be effectively treated and managed with medication and self-management strategies. Treatment for RA usually includes the use of medications that slow disease and prevent joint deformity, called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs biological response modifiers are medications that are an effective second-line treatment. In addition to medications, people can manage their RA with self-management strategies proven to reduce pain and disability, allowing them to pursue the activities important to them. People with RA can relieve pain and improve joint function by learning to use five simple and effective arthritis management strategies.

Don’t Miss: Psoriatic Arthritis Hives

Organ Tissue Marrow Or Stem Cell Transplant

If you have received human tissues, such as bone , ligaments, tendons, skin and corneas, you may be allowed to register to become a potential volunteer donor, depending on the reason for the procedure.If you received any of the following types of transplants you may not register:

• Human organs such as heart, lung, liver or kidney
• Xenotransplant

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in your joints. It can affect any joint but is common in the wrist and fingers. More women than men get rheumatoid arthritis. It often starts in middle age and is most common in older people. But children and young adults can also get it. You might have the disease for only a short time, or symptoms might come and go. The severe form can last a lifetime. Rheumatoid arthritis is different from osteoarthritis, the common arthritis that often comes with older age. RA can affect body parts besides joints, such as your eyes, mouth and lungs. RA is an autoimmune disease, which means the arthritis results from your immune system attacking your bodys own tissues. No one knows what causes rheumatoid arthritis. Genes, environment and hormones might contribute. Treatments include medicine, lifestyle changes and surgery. These can slow or stop joint damage and reduce pain and swelling.

You May Like: Side Effect Of Arthritis

Blood And Pathology Tests For Arthritis

Before any tests are done, the doctor will ask you about your symptoms and will often examine you for signs of arthritis or other autoimmune features. Then tests may be done.

Your symptoms and signs on physical examination are more important for making a diagnosis than the results of the tests.

What are blood tests and pathology tests used for?

• Confirming a diagnosis of arthritis or autoimmune disorder
• Monitoring disease activity and response to treatment
• Checking for side effects from medicines

Are all types of arthritis diagnosed by blood tests?

Most forms of arthritis can be diagnosed by blood tests. The doctor may use blood tests to provide support for the diagnosis made on the symptoms and signs, or to help rule out other types of arthritis or conditions that cause similar symptoms. No blood or pathology tests may be required to diagnose some conditions such as osteoarthritis or chronic back pain.

People Who Qualify Have A High Rf And May Have Following Symptoms:

Rheumatoid factor blood test measures the amount of the RF antibody present in most people with Rheumatoid Arthritis. A high rheumatoid factor generally does not indicate how much pain you are in or how sick you may feel. In order to participate in the Plasma Donation Program you must have a rheumatoid factor greater than 2000. If you do not know what your current rheumatoid factor is, please ask your doctor retesting may be necessary in order to qualify.

• Chronic joint pain

• Must have ever contracted Rheumatoid Arthritis.
• Can provide a recent, verifiable blood test result from your healthcare provider.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Weigh at least 110 pounds.
• Never tested positive for Hepatitis C or HIV.
• Can not be currently pregnant.
• Be willing to travel to an FDA licensed donor center and provide a plasma donation. If a center is not located near you, and you qualify to participate, your travel expenses will be covered.

If you answered YES to these qualifications, you may qualify to participate in our Plasma Donation Program! Please complete the pre-qualify form and/or give us a call immediately at 1-888-689-8766.

Recommended Reading: How To Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis In Hands