Tattoos & Meds: The Cherry Bomb Cheat Sheet
Ink dreams meet pill bottles more often than people think. In most cases the combo is totally chill, but a few prescriptions can throw a wrench in the healing. Here is the straight talk on when to book, when to wait, and how to clue us in without reading out your entire pharmacy print out.
Meds that need a rain check
Accutane (Isotretinoin)
Skin turns thin and cranky, stitches itself back together at a snail’s pace, and scars easier. Wrap up treatment, then give your derm the victory lap before you book with us. Six months off the pills is the usual green light window.
Antibiotics
If you are mid infection your immune system is already busy. Finish the course, let your body chill for about a week, then come hang out. Fresh ink on a sick body just asks for drama.
Blood thinners
Warfarin, Heparin, Apixaban, daily aspirin, big fish oil doses. Extra bleeding floods the stencil, washes out pigment, and can put your health at risk. Chat with your doc first. Never stop a prescription on your own.
Immune suppressors & chemo
Biologics, anti rejection meds, long term steroids. These slow every step of healing and boost infection risk. Get the green light from your doctor and plan for extra aftercare time.
Feeling like hot garbage
Flu, strep, mystery sniffles: stay home. We keep the studio healthy and you will heal faster when you are not leaking germs on everything.
Meds that play nice
SSRIs & other antidepressants
A little extra oozing is possible but nothing we cannot handle. Keep taking them as prescribed.
Anxiety meds
Normal dose is fine. Show up lucid so we can check in on pain levels and consent.
Birth control
Pills, patch, IUD. Zero effect on ink or healing.
Everyday maintenance meds
Blood pressure tabs, thyroid support, cholesterol control. If your condition is stable you are good to go.
Acetaminophen for pain
Skip the ibuprofen before your appointment if you can. Tylenol keeps blood flow normal.
Why some meds wreck the vibe
Fragile skin
Retinoids and steroids thin the surface. Needles punch holes faster than the skin can recover which means scabbing or scarring.
Slow immune response
Immunosuppressants keep the body from closing wounds and kicking out bacteria.
Thinner blood
More bleeding equals lost pigment and a longer open wound window.
How to loop in your artist
Mention it on the consent form: “I’m on a blood thinner that makes me bleed more.”
Stick to the effect: We care about clotting and healing, not your full med history.
Offer doctor advice only if asked: A quick “My cardiologist says postpone any invasive stuff for now” is enough.
No shame: We pierce and tattoo people on every med under the sun. Transparency helps us plan the session so your tattoo looks fire.
When rescheduling is the smart move
New script that hits the red flag list
Mid illness or antibiotic course
Your artist advises waiting after seeing your skin
Give us a heads up, keep your deposit rolling, and come back when your body is set up for a smooth heal. Tattoos are forever; an extra month of patience is nothing.
Final thoughts
Healthy skin plus a ready immune system equals crisp lines and bright color. Check your meds, talk to both your doctor and your artist, and never feel bad about hitting pause if that is what safety calls for. Cherry Bomb will be here with fresh needles and a killer playlist whenever you are ready.