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

above, the underlying condition being treated by steroids is the key issue with the FAA.
A wide variety of medical problems are treated with steroids. Conditions such as poison
ivy are not aeromedically significant, whereas conditions treated with steroids such as
multiple sclerosis or asthma would restrict the pilot from flying until waived by the FAA.
Anabolic steroids (muscle building compounds) have significant side effects and are only
used legally for very specific medical conditions. Use for these conditions may be
waivered by the FAA after an observation period and reporting to the FAA. Use without
a prescription is illegal and will not be approved by the FAA for pilots.
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Thyroid medications: The FAA approves the use of these medications once the treated
condition is stable and the airman's physician provides documentation indicating that the
airman's thyroid function has returned to normal (euthyroid). Thyroid cancer treated with
medication requires FAA waiver before the pilot can return to flight duties. VFS
physicians have obtained many waivers for pilots with a variety of thyroid conditions and
medications.
Topical (skin) medications: All generally are allowed. These include antibiotic and
steroid creams, psoriasis treatments and sports creams.
Skin / Acne Medications: Acne is treated with both topical (applied to the skin) and oral
medications. As above, all topical medications such as benzoyl peroxide, Retin-A and
antibiotic creams, are allowed without waiver. Oral antibiotics are also allowed after a
two day observation period without side effects.
Accutane is authorized, but because of the potential harmful effect on night vision, any
pilot taking Accutane will have a restriction placed on their medical certificate stating
"Not Valid for Night Flying."
Hair Growth medications: Topical medications that promote hair growth (Rogaine,
minoxidil) are authorized for flight duty use. Oral medications such as Propecia
(finisteride) and Procaine are allowed if there are no side effects after a ground test period
of at least two days.
Vaccinations: Vaccinations (shots, immunizations) are not disqualifying for flying,
including the anthrax immunization. some people experience some side effects
following immunizations, particularly from live, attenuated types, that may dictate a pilot
remain grounded if feeling poorly. However, there is no minimum grounding period
after receiving an immunization. Side effects may be minimized by taking aspirin or
acetaminophen after the shot. See the VFS Medical Links section on vaccination safety.
Please note that this outline is far from complete. Again, most cases of aeromedical
certification must be reviewed and authorized individually and vary greatly. Contact VFS
through our Private Medical Consultation for specific answers to your questions
regarding medication use or assistance in obtaining FAA approval for long-term use of
certain medications.