Smoking cessation - Whole blood and components

Also known as: anti-smoking treatments

Essential information

Includes

Bupropion (Amfebutamone®, Zyban®), nicotine replacement therapy (Nicorette®, Nicotinell®, NiQuitin®) and varenicline (Champix®).

Obligatory

Must not donate if:

Experiencing symptoms related to treatment.

Discretionary

Donors using nicotine replacement therapy (patches, sprays etc), bupropion (Amfebutamone®, Zyban®) or varenicline (Champix®), if well, accept.

Supporting information

See if relevant

• Acupuncture

Additional information

Anti-smoking treatments can cause dizziness and nausea. Taking a donation from people who are affected may make these symptoms worse.

Reason for change:

Update of ‘See if relevant’ links due to the renaming of the ‘Complementary therapy’ entry as ‘Complementary and alternative medicine’.

Version:

Eligibility of blood donors undergoing acupuncture

Version details:

WB-DSG Edition 203 Release 81 (11 August 2026)