Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications Tool Kit ... - Home

in completing the FAA required documentation for a waiver to fly on asthma
medications.
Attention deficit disorder medications: Current FAA policy does not allow persons
who use any medications for ADHD to hold an airman medical certificates. The FAA
now has a protocol for evaluating pilots with Attention Deficit Disorder prior to issuing a
waiver. Some individuals using medication have been waivered after neurocognitive
testing shows adequate performance at least 72 hours off the medication. If the results of
this testing is favorable, the pilot may be cleared to fly if no longer taking medications.
Individuals with a reliable childhood diagnosis of ADHD may have to wait 90 days after
stopping medication to take the required testing. Some of the medications used for
ADHD will cause a positive drug test in DOT drug testing programs. VFS can assist with
in coordinating required psychological testing and waiver petitions.
Cancer (chemotherapy) medications: While the patient is undergoing treatment, these
medications are not allowed for flight duty. After treatment is completed, the FAA will
review the case and consider approving the airman's return to the cockpit. In certain
situations--initial hormonal therapy for prostate cancer or immunosuppressive
medications for transplants and arthritis, for example--the FAA will allow continued
cockpit duty during treatment. A waiver is required to fly on these medications if there
are no side effects and no evidence of residual cancer See VFS section on Cancer.
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Cholesterol-lowering medications: The FAA permits airmen to use medications such as
Mevacor, Lopid, niacin, Questran, Pravachol, Lipitor and Zocor without prior approval,
provided there are no side effects. See Cholesterol in the VFS Health and Nutrition
section for a complete discussion and extensive links to sites with additional information.
Please note that the FDA has recalled Baycol (cerivastatin) due to patient deaths
associated with its' use.
The FAA has not approved the use of Zetia for cholesterol lowering, but will consider it
in October 2003.
Diabetes/hypoglycemic medications: The FAA will approve the majority of oral
hypoglycemic (blood-sugar-lowering) medications after appropriate evaluation and
review. A specific protocol is available for those pilots with diabetes requiring waiver.
The agency now approves use of some of the newer agents, including Actos, Amaryl,
Avandia, metformin (Glucophage), Prandin, Starlix and Precose. Rezulin was
previously allowed, but has lost FDA approval and has been withdrawn from the market
by it manufacturer. Insulin is now allowed under special issuance on a case-by-case basis
for third-class medical certification. The need to use insulin to control diabetes, however,
will still disqualify an applicant for a first- or second-class airman medical certificate. See
the VFS Diabetes article in the Medical Information section for further information and
links or visit the Private Consultation page for waiver assistance.