Can I donate blood?

Q: I am a 35 years old male, undergoing a treatment for migraine. I am taking Vasograin tablets. Can I donate my blood? If not why?

A:Most common drugs such as those used to control blood pressure, birth control pills and over-the-counter medications do not affect eligibility for donating blood. Drugs like antibiotics, warfarin, clopidogrel, ticlopidine, growth hormone, bovine insulin, anti-hormonal preparations for prostate enlargement, isoretinoin, etretinate, immune globulin preparations etc. preclude blood donation but you need to check with the blood bank as they often have their own requirements.