Guide To Making A Bone Marrow Donation
Risks And Side Effects

The procedure itself for bone marrow donation is painless when individuals receive regional or general anesthesia. However, after the procedure, there are potential side effects. Common side effects include muscle pain, fatigue, hip pain, back pain, headache, and bruising around the donation site. The intensity of these side effects varies from donor to donor. Some have described their pain as aching hips or a strained back muscle. The side effects, including the pain, can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks following the procedure.
Only a small percentage of donors will experience significant risks from bone marrow donation. Less than three percent of donors, in fact, will have serious complications linked to bone damage, muscle damage, nerve damage, or the anesthesia used. Risks and side effects of regional anesthesia include mild nausea, vomiting, and a sore throat. Regional anesthesia carries headaches and a drop in blood pressure as side effects.