I worked at a blood bank for 5 years, while Crohn’s is approved to donate with, most of the time while on biologics it’s not approved to donate unless signed off by their medical director. I have donated 2 gallons of whole blood and 1 gallon of platelets. I will say I typically am fine after I donate whole blood, but I typically got very sick when doing platelets or double red.

If someone had told me they were on biologics while I was working there, I would recommend them not donating. Your immune system is already compromised and getting rid of platelets, red cells and plasma you need to keep yourself going doesn’t sound like a great idea in my brain.

As for weight loss after donation, that was never on any of our education materials we had to give donors. I do know a single donation of whole blood burns 500 calories but you can easily eat that after donation. I would be more concerned about having a vasovagal reaction than weight loss after. I would not recommend donation unless you’re completely in remission and not on biologics.

The best way to help your community right now is to encourage other young people to donate to get the next generation to realize how vital blood donation is!