If you have psoriatic arthritis, some medications you might take could prevent you from donating plasma. In addition, other factors, like infections or active flares, could delay your ability to donate. Consider the following if you have psoriatic arthritis and plan to donate plasma.
Active Infections
People with active infections are not allowed to donate blood because there is a risk that the infection could be transmitted through the blood. If you are taking antibiotics to treat an infection, you should wait until you finish the course of antibiotics before you donate blood or plasma.
Antibiotics are okay to take if you’re planning on donating plasma or blood, as long as they’re taken for the purpose of preventing an infection. If you have a fever of 99.5 degrees, you’re not allowed to donate. Some of the medications used to treat psoriatic arthritis can increase the risk of infection, so it’s important to be aware of any potential signs of infection before donating. Signs of infection include fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, sore throat, cough, and headache.
Flare-Ups
A flare-up is when your psoriatic arthritis is active and you are experiencing high levels of inflammation. This can make you feel unwell, and it is not a good idea to donate plasma. Other symptoms of a flare-up, including joint pain, swelling, and fatigue, might not disqualify you from donating plasma, but it is possible that it could further stress your body and make the flare-up last longer.
Some medications you take for your condition may make it unsafe for you to donate plasma. For example, if you are taking a drug to reduce inflammation, it could mask an underlying infection. It is best to wait a week or more after you have finished taking this type of medication before you donate plasma.
Before you donate plasma, you should talk to your doctor who manages your psoriatic arthritis care. They’ll want to review your medical history and bloodwork to determine the safest way for you to donate.
Special Considerations
To become a plasma donor, you must be at least 18 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. You will need to answer questions about your health history and have a quick assessment at the plasma center, including checking your pulse, blood pressure, and temperature.
To donate plasma, you also need to have a blood test to ensure that you are healthy and do not have any infectious diseases. Once you have been cleared to donate, the process of donating plasma is similar to giving blood.
A needle is inserted into your arm, and your blood is drawn into a machine that separates out the plasma. The plasma is then collected in a bag while the rest of your blood is returned to your body through the needle. The entire process takes about an hour. Plasma donations can be made every two weeks, and each donation can help save the lives of up to three people.
Before making the decision to donate your plasma, it is essential to consult with your doctor who is treating your psoriatic arthritis. They can provide you with safety information and recommendations for donation locations.
Conclusion
If you have psoriatic arthritis, you may be wondering if you can donate plasma. The answer is probably. It depends on a few factors, such as what medications you are taking, whether you are anemic and whether you have an infection or a flare-up.
If you are not taking any medications, are not anemic, and do not have an infection or a flare-up, you may be able to donate plasma. Donating plasma is a safe and easy way to help others in need. Plus, it can be a rewarding experience.
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