Can you donate blood if you take Mounjaro, Ozempic or Zepbound?
GLP-1 medications such as tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) and semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) are generally not a reason for deferral on their own. Your condition and how you feel on the day are what matter.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) and semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) are GLP-1 based medicines used for type 2 diabetes and weight management. They are generally not on lists of medications that prevent blood donation, but there are practical points to keep in mind.
What the center evaluates
Screening looks at the condition behind the prescription and how you are on the day:
- Type 2 diabetes, well controlled: generally eligible. In the US, diabetes treated with insulin is also acceptable if it is well controlled
- Weight management: you can donate if you meet the general criteria (minimum weight of 110 lbs, good health, normal vitals)
Practical tips
These medicines reduce appetite. Giving blood on too little food raises the risk of dizziness and fainting. If you use one:
- Eat a proper meal in the hours before donating
- Drink more water than usual
- Mention the medication, dose and your last injection date
- If you are in a dose escalation phase with nausea or vomiting, postpone until you feel stable
Recent weight loss
Rapid unexplained weight loss is looked at during screening. If it is planned and supervised by your doctor, tell the screener. Medically supervised weight loss usually does not stop you.
Policies are set by each blood center in line with FDA requirements, so confirm with yours. The screener decides on the day.
This information is general and does not replace advice from a health professional. Your eligibility is always decided at the donor screening on the day of donation. Rules change, so confirm with the American Red Cross or the blood center where you plan to donate.