Pain Medications
Contents
Explanation of Condition
Due to the nature of the medications used in pain management, almost all drugs CAN NOT be stopped without weaning if they require a prescription and can not be bought over the counter. Donors should never be encouraged to stop medication to donate. Decisions by donors to sop medications without consulting their physicians responsible for their condition should be actively discouraged.
Guidance
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
Active substance
Ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen
Implications for donation
Increases the risk of bleeding and bruising
Recommendation
Fine if topical use. Find out which condition it is used for and if the condition is not a contraindication to donate. Need to stop tablets 24-48 pre-donation and similarly post donation if can tolerate not taking the medications or can use non NSAID alternative like paracetamol or co-codamol.
Over the counter medications, non-NSAIDs
Active substance
Paracetamol, co-codamol
Implications for donation
Minimal
Recommendation
Can donate provided the condition it is used for and is not a contraindication to donate
Opioid based medications (weaker)
Active substance
Codeine, dihydrocodeine, Tramadol
Implications for donation
No over the counter options to increase pain management.
Recommendation
If taking these medications regularly long term, there are no options for pain management with over the counter medications but options available to increase the pain management with prescription medications/hospital admission. Discuss with MO as in some circumstances might be appropriate to donate.
Opioid based medications (strong)
Active substance
Morphine ( MST, Zomorph, Sevredol, Morphgesic, MXL, Oramorph), oxycodone (OxyContin, Xtampza ER, Roxicodone, Percocet, Percodan), fentanyl, buprenorphine, diamorphine
Implications for donation
No over the counter options to increase pain management. Usually suggest significantly painful condition. High doses of opioids can sedate people.
Recommendation
If taking these medications regularly long term, there is no over the counter options for pain management and limited options even with hospital admission, and, therefore, donor should not donate.
If taken short term, donor needs to be off the medication before proceeding.
Anti-convulsant medications used in pain management
Active substance
Pregabalin, gabapentin
Implications for donation
Can be sedative, suggests complex pain condition
Recommendation
Discuss with MO, although the medications are not contraindications on their own, condition for which patient is taking the medication can be a contraindication. Limited options for pain management escalation.
