Why Some PrEP & PEP Medications Affect Blood Donation Eligibility
Blood donation saves lives every single day, and at The LGBTQ+ Center, we believe inclusive access to donation opportunities matters.
As we prepare for our upcoming Inclusive Blood Drive with the American Red Cross on Friday, May 29th, we also want to help answer one of the most common questions we receive from LGBTQ+ community members:
“How do PrEP or PEP medications affect blood donation eligibility?”
The answer comes down to safety and science, not identity.
According to the American Red Cross and AABB guidance, some HIV prevention medications can temporarily impact a person’s ability to donate blood because they may suppress HIV to levels that are harder to detect during blood screening.
Current guidelines include:
- Oral PrEP or PEP medications such as Truvada, Descovy, Tivicay, or Isentress require a 3-month wait after the last dose before donating blood.
- Injectable PrEP medications such as Apretude require a 2-year wait after the last injection.
Importantly, these guidelines apply to everyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. The deferral is based solely on how the medications affect HIV detection in donated blood.
The LGBTQ+ community has long advocated for fair, evidence-based blood donation policies, and while progress has been made, we know there are still questions and frustrations around eligibility. That’s why education and transparency matter.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible to donate, we encourage you to review the official guidance and speak with your healthcare provider or the American Red Cross before scheduling your appointment.
Download the FAQ Fact Sheet Here
Join Our Inclusive Blood Drive
We are proud to partner with the American Red Cross for an Inclusive Blood Drive on:
🗓 Friday, May 29th
📍 401 S. Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV
✨ Free Food, Resource Fair, and Music
Show your pride. Share your strength. Save a life.
Donors will also receive an exclusive Red Cross beach towel while supplies last!
