Anyone Donate Blood After PMR Treatment?

You can donate blood?!? COOOL!!! I was told with my autoimmune stuff that they wouldn't accept mine. Maybe i should check again! Our Rheumatologists should know best, right?

I’m due a power red donation tomorrow…. I’m back on prednisone so I called the Red Cross And they said as long as the prednisone is for an arthritic pain condition… donation is fine…

@dickwholliday
I asked my AI Agent if it was safe to donate blood when you have an active case of PMR and are on prednisone - this is the reply I received.

Why blood donation isn’t normally allowed in this situation
1. Prednisone automatically triggers a donor deferral.
Blood centers defer anyone taking systemic corticosteroids (like prednisone) because they suppress the immune system and can mask infections. Most centers require you to be off prednisone for a period of time before donating — often at least a week, sometimes longer depending on dose and duration. (apparently, this is not really true)

2. Active PMR means you’re not considered “in good health” for donation.
Blood donation rules require donors to be feeling well and free of active inflammatory disease. If PMR is active enough to require daily prednisone, blood centers will defer you until the condition is stable or in remission.

3. Safety for you matters too.
Donation can stress the system. With active PMR and steroid treatment, there’s a higher risk of flare, fatigue, or masking an infection.

4. This matches what rheumatologists and blood‑center guidance say.
Patients with PMR/GCA generally donate only once the disease is quiet and they’ve been off prednisone long enough to meet the center’s criteria.

Bottom line for you
With active PMR and ongoing prednisone, U.S. blood centers will almost certainly defer you. Donation becomes possible again once:

PMR is stable or in remission
You’ve been off systemic prednisone long enough for your center’s waiting period

My last blood donation was January 2024. I had just gotten my PMR diagnosis and was taking 20 mg prednisone. They didn’t have a problem with that, and my hemoglobin was fine. Within 6 weeks I was in the ER with severe anemia, pulmonary hypertension and stage 3b kidney disease. I ended up having a cardiac stress test and five iron infusions over a month +. My body REALLY doesn’t like steroids.
I don’t actually know, but I think the steroids had a part in all that, and my body wasn’t able to replace the lost blood cells after the donation. Everyone is different though, I’ve always been a blood donor and am super sad I can’t do it anymore. At least since being on steroids that runs me borderline anemic.
Thank you for thinking of others and donating blood when you are able. This world needs more love and compassion with people willing to sacrifice to help others when they are able. ❤️

I was told by a pharmacist that while in PMR remission and taking Kevzara that I still should not donate blood. The problem would be for the person receiving the blood donation. Kevzara effects immunity so would not be good for the patient. When asked to donate through life serve the person was checking with their superior and never called for another appointment to donate.

All the above makes sense….

Just cancelled by donation…..

I can't donate because I also have SMM, but if not I would still be reluctant to risk my health or someone else's because of the PMR and prednisone or kevzara. What is known about PMR isn't enough to fill a thimble.

I initially posted that I was off prednisone and have been for about 5 months. My concern is did anyone donate blood, regular or power red and have a flare-up. I did state that I have had a flue shot, one while on prednisone and once after finishing. I was curious if anyone had donated after the fact and had a flare up?

I used to donate platelets, and whole blood. The Red Cross called and I told them about my PMR diagnosis and prednisone use. I spoke with a supervisor who told me I could still donate while on a prednisone. This goes against what I have read online. I plan on waiting until I feel healthier. I think it’s the safest for me, and the donor recipient.
On a side note, I just got my senior dose flu shot. It’s only my second time, however, this time it hit me hard. (I’m about to taper to 4 mg) My entire body was very sore and achy, and I also felt the most debilitating fatigue I’ve ever had. It was so extreme I thought I was having a flare. I took Tylenol arthritis formula, which helped quite a bit, and stayed on my prednisone regimen. It’s been three days and I’m feeling back to normal. It appears it was a reaction from the flu shot. Anyone else have this kind of experience?

@franklinlala I routinely get flu like symptoms for 1 day after receiving the high dose flu vaccine. This year I had no symptoms. I’ve been on prednisone for PMR since January. Currently at 3.5 mg. I don’t know why.