Blood Donation and Finasteride Usage
Several months back, my dermatologist prescribed me a daily dosage of 1mg of Finasteride. Approximately six weeks later, I chose to donate blood at a nearby blood donation center. I either missed the query regarding this medication on the form or it simply wasn’t included. Today, as I headed to donate blood once more, this time with the American Red Cross, I found that they list Finasteride among the medications that disqualify an individual from donating. This is due to the potential risk it poses of causing birth defects in males if a pregnant woman were to receive the blood. How significant was my oversight? I feel deeply regretful for not catching this detail earlier…
Answers (1)

7/3/2025, 11:40:33 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel regretful about missing information on medication disqualifications for blood donation. However, it’s important to focus on the facts and the next steps.
Key Points:
- Finasteride and Blood Donation: Finasteride is known to potentially cause birth defects if a pregnant person receives blood from someone currently taking the medication.
- Your Oversight: Missing the question on the initial blood donation form can happen, and it's important to remember that the safety measures are in place to protect vulnerable populations.
Explanation:
Finasteride helps treat conditions like hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia but can affect male donors due to the risk it poses to pregnant individuals receiving your blood. Blood donation centers, including the American Red Cross, have strict guidelines to ensure safety, which is why they include medications that can impact reproductive health.
Next Steps:
- Don’t Worry: Recognize that you did not intentionally overlook the information, and this is a safety procedure meant to protect others.
- Inform the Blood Center: If possible, consider reaching out to the blood donation center where you donated last time to clarify your situation. It's likely they will appreciate your honesty and can guide you on any necessary follow-up.
- Pause Donation While on Finasteride: Since you are currently taking Finasteride, it’s prudent to wait before donating blood again. The American Red Cross recommends that those taking this medication refrain from donating for a specific period after stopping the drug (at least one month), so consider this in your planning.
- Stay Informed: Moving forward, keep a list of any medications you take when considering donation in the future, as this can help prevent any similar issues.
By taking these steps, you're prioritizing safety and care for others. If you have further concerns or questions, feel free to ask for more information.
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