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Dr. Roberts, I am taking 1 tab of Levoxyl 50MCG per day (I assume 1 tab is 50 MCG) Do I need to
inform the FAA? Should I be flying at all? Thank you, DPL
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Send in a letter to the FAA indicating that you are taking this
medication, along with your current T4 level. The letter should mention that you
aren't experiencing any adverse side-effects, and should be written by your physician.
Dr. Roberts
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I have "mildly" high blood pressure, controlled by 20mg of Lisinopril (Zestril)
daily.
1) Is this an approved drug (I believe I read somewhere that it IS).
2) What (if any) documentation from my G.P. should I bring with me to the AME when
going for my Class III medical (first time--student pilot) David T
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Yes, it is approved. You will need a letter from your doctor stating that
you have hypertension, controlled with Zestril 20 mg. daily. Have him
mention your last three blood pressure readings, and include a copy of a
recent EKG.
Dr. Roberts
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Docter, I've been on Serezon, which I'm sure is not on the approved list. How
long do you have to be off a medication like this, before you can obtain a 1st
class medical? Is there a specific "waiting period"? Dave
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The waiting period is 90 days, but you will need to submit a letter from
your doctor stating same,and stating that you are not in need of this
medication. It is not enough to simply stop the medication.
Dr. Roberts
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Why are immunosuppressive drugs disqualifiers for Class I and Class II licenses?
Does that include any and all immunosuppressive drugs (i.e., very low doses of
steroids)? L
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Steroids, up to 20 - 30 mg per day are usually approved. Immunosuppressants
tend to be mind altering, and are not approved.
Dr. Roberts
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Can a pilot still fly while taking Buspar? Ken
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No, Buspar is not FAA approved, as it is sedating to many.
Dr. Roberts
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My teenage stepson is taking Accutane for acne. Can he solo on this medication?
Can he continue to take dual instruction. The acne problem should resolve in the
near future and he will no longer need it. Monica
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Yes, he can take this medication, as long as he is not suffering any adverse
side effects from it's use.
Dr. Roberts
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I am a soon to retire military pilot in great health. I run 25 miles/wk and have
a thin build. I eat fairly well but can't seem to get my cholesterol below 260.
My doc has recommended Lipitor...what is the impact on a 1st class physical and
airline employment with this medication? Doug
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Go for it. Lipitor is FAA approved and very, very effective.
Check out our website at www.flightsurgeon.com
Dr. Roberts
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Dr. Roberts - Do you think lithium will ever be an approved drug for a 3rd class medical? Thanks.
Steve
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I doubt that lithium will ever be FAA approved. This is because it is "mind
altering" in many, causing drowsiness.
Dr. Roberts
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There's been a lot of news interest with professional athletes and performance
enhancing OTC drugs. I'm worried about my up coming medical and possible airline
physicals. What would be a good location to find out what suppliments are
allowed and not allowed? Specifically, I'm trying to find out if taking MaHuang
Extract (334mg=20mg ephedra), Guarana Extract (910 mg=22% caffeine), L-Carnitine
(100 mg), and Chromium (200 mg) will cause any problems. Thanks, Ted
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To the best of my knowledge, the FAA has no official position on herbs and
dietary supplements.
Be sure to check out our new website at <www.flightsurgeon.com>
Dr. Roberts
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Will taking coumadin keep me from getting a III class medical. I minor surgey on my foot, blood
clots formed, all is ok but will be on this drug for 90 days. Skip
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No, but it does require permission from the FAA. They will want a letter from your doctor
summarizing your case including mention of the exact dose you take, and mentioning that you are
not having any adverse side effects from it's use. Also have your doctor mention your most
recent protime and ptt tests.
Dr. Roberts
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I know that using Prozac disqualifies one from obtaining medical certification, but as
someone who has taken it for many years without any side effects, could I get the
disqualification waived? Troy
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No, because Prozac has the potential to be "mind altering", it is not an FAA
approved medication. The FAA has no official stand on St. John's Wort, as it is an herb.
Dr. Roberts
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Hi Doc, I am a 47 year old male with a slighlty high blood pressure problem my doctor
prescribed Dyazide to control it. Is this an approved drug by the Faa / Third class medical in
question. Pressure is now 145 over 85 and varies slightly. R.C.
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That is an unusual choice, as it can cause serum concentration and subsequent elevation of
your serum triglycerides. But, yes it is approved. You will need to submit to the FAA a report
indicating that you have hypertension, an ECG, and a serum potassium test.
Dr. Roberts
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I am a 36 year old CFII. My Primary Care Physician has prescribed Xanacal to
help me lose weight. I believe it is a type of fat blocker. I'm due for a Class
II medical in February. Will using this prevent me from getting the Medical? If
so, what can I do to get to use the medication, or is there anything I can use as
a substitute? Mike
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I do not believe that Xenical is a problem, as it is not absorbed in the
gut. It blocks the absorption of fat. As long as you are not experiencing
any side effects from the medication, you should be OK.
Dr. Roberts
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I am a student pilot and am currently taking the anti-depressant Paxil. Will this affect my
eligibility to obtain my license? Richard R.
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Paxil is not FAA approved.
Dr. Roberts
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Doc; Age 47, diagnosed with irregular heartbeat 7 jan during routine 1st class update.
Asymptomatic, successful cardio reversion following clear series of tests (stress, trach EKG,
nuclear imaging). Currently on Verapamil and coumadin. Anticipate being off Verpamil in 2 weeks
time and looking forward to a Special issuance and a return to work. Is Verapamil an acceptable
medication while flying? If not could you advise which would be? Thanks & regards, Wm
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Yes, Verapimil is approved by the FAA.
Dr. Roberts
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Dr. Roberts; I am currently being prescribed Lipitor (10mg) for cholesterol and Atenolol (50mg).
I know I will need a special issuance due to a previous MI, but are these Meds approved for use? James
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Yes, they are approved medications.
Dr. Roberts
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Would taking Prozac change an airman's status? Make him ineligible to fly?
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Prozac is NOT FAA approved. Oddly, St. John's wort IS approved, as it is an herb.
SkyDoc
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I am considering taking Meridia for a short term weight loss. Does the FAA have any problems with
a pilot taking this med? Also, If I take Claritan D and have never had any side effects,
can I still fly? As it is now, I take them only when I know I won't be flying for 48 hours. DSM
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Both Meredia and Clariten-D are NOT approved by the FAA. Plain Clariten is, however.
Dr. Roberts, SkyDoc
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I'm a 60 year old male who has a life long desire to fly. I have high blood pressure (controlled by
Ziac). In 1994 I was diagnosed as adult ADHD and take, or have taken dexedrine, ritaline,
methylphenidate to help me focus. I quit taking the amphetamines about a year ago. Am I medically
disqualified on these accounts?? I am finally in position that I can go to flight school and join a
club or buy a plane. J.
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The Ritalin is disqualifying. Regarding your attention deficit, the FAA will want proof that it will
not impair your ability to fly safely.
Dr. Roberts, SkyDoc
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Are there any instances that you are aware of where a SODA was
issued to someone being treated with a tricyclic antidepressent? Thanks, John.
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None that I know of. The reason is that tricyclics are well-known to be sedating (mind altering).
SkyDoc
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Dr. Roberts: I am 41 years old and on high Blood pressure medicin:
"Zestril" (10 mg. per day) I finally got my 3rd class med. cert. after
many blood tests, EKG, etc. My question is are there any other blood pressure
medications that the FAA accepts or is Zestril the only class of medicine they recognize?
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Yes, there are many other medications approved for the treatment of high blood
pressure, to include beta blockers and calcium channel blockers. Zestril (aka
Prinivil) is an ace inhibitor. All are approved.
SkyDoc
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My Dr has suggested I take Hytrin for help in controlling an enlarged prostate
(benign). Is this an approved medication?
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es, as long as you get a letter from your Dr. indicating that you are not having
any side effects from it.
SkyDoc
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How does the FAA fell about naproxyn as an NSAID for arthritis?
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Yes, it is approved, as long as you are not experiencing any side effects.
SkyDoc
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Hello Dr. Roberts, I also have some allergie problems and my doctor sent me
Claritan -D, is it FAA approved or I have to take the regular Claritan?
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It is not approved, but Claritan (without the D) is approved.
SkyDoc
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Dr. Roberts, I am a former commercial pilot. Currently I am on immunosuppressive drugs
for an islet cell transplant. My question is, are immunosuppressive drugs a disqualifier
for class I and II medicals???
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Yes, as long as you are on them.
SkyDoc
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My physician has prescribed Claritan for allergies that have been bothering me this year.
Before I take these I want to know if this medication would be considered a problem for
flying? I have a Third class medical. Mark
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Yes, clariten is FAA approved as long as it does not cause any adverse
reaction with you.
SkyDoc
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I have been taking Pravachol to reduce my cholesterol level. Is this drug approved by the
FAA for Class II medical certificate?
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Yes, it is approved. You will need a note from your doctor stating that you are not
experiencing any adverse reactions from the medication.
SkyDoc
[Topics]
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Dr. Roberts, Four years ago I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetis (non insulin dependent).
I have been able to maintain my 3rd class med. with strict diet control. My family Dr. now
tells me I may need to go on Glucophage to help keep the suger level down. Is this
approved by the FAA? My 3rd class med. is coming up soon and I am wondering what to
expect when I go to the examiner, and if I need to go on medication. Thank You Tom
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Yes, it is approved. You will have to submit a letter from your doctor, along
with a Hgb1AC blood test and a fasting blood sugar. Your doctor will be familiar
with these tests.
SkyDoc
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Dear Dr.: I was denied a class 3 Medical cert. because I have taken Prozac for over 12
years. Is there anyway that I can apply for a variance while taking this medication? Or,
is there a substitute? Or, must I stop taking this medication before being allow to fly?
I am ready to solo and don't know how to proceed. The doctor I visited said I must be off
prozac for 6 months, while a call to the FAA, I was informed that I only need
to be off of the medication for 3 months. Can you help? Thank you for your time.
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You can not get a special issuance for Prozac. Because of its side effects, Prozac is
not approved.
Doc
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I am taking cozar for mild hyper tension, zoloft, and clairtin. What choices do I have to
be able to fly, are there other meds available that I can use?
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Cozar and Clariten are FAA approved. Zoloft is not.
Doc
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My Dermatologist wants to prescribe Zyrtec for a skin allergy. Are there any restrictions
for that drug? Any alternatives? Scott
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Zyrtec is approved if you submit a letter from your Dr. indicating that
you are not having any side effects from it. Otherwise, clariten and
seldane are the alternatives.
Doc
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I am a 51 year old male with mild high blood pressure. I am taking Lotensin to control it.
Is this an acceptable drug to the FAA or will I have to change medications to pass my 3rd
class medical? Kim
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Yes, it is on the approved list. You will need to get a letter from your Dr. indicating
that the medication is effective, listing three recent blood pressures, along with a copy
of your EKG.
Doc
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My doctor has suggested that I might consider taking Viagra for the same problem that
affects the majority of men over 40-50 years of age: Erectile dysfunction. An anonymous
call to the FAA told me that I should submit all the data I can find so the FAA doctors
can check out the drug. But, since the drug has not yet been out for a year, the FAA says
they will not okay it. Is there any hope that a drug that is only used occassionally will
be okayed without the 1 year wait? Even with special precautions (certain numbe of hours
before flying like alcohol)? And, should I submit this info to the FAA, or is there
someone else who might be better qualified to word the request in the right way?
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Sure hope it works as well as it is pitched... the medicine is too new to be
on the approved list. You can call the AOPA medical division for the latest.
Generally, the FAA wants to see a track record, prior to blessing any new
Rx. You can have your doctor send a letter to the FAA indicating that you
are on the medication, and are not experiencing any side effects. My gut
reaction is that they will probably put it on the approved list, eventually.
Doc
[Topics]
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For allergies, are any over the counter antihistamines approved medications? Robert
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No... there is Sudafed, but that is a decongestant. There are a few
prescriptions meds that are approved.
Doc
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Is acyclovir an acceptable medication for a 3rd class medical? Bob
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Toically it is OK. Orally, you need a letter from your MD stating that
it is not causing an adverse reactions.
Doc
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Dr. Roberts, I am a student pilot who takes 20mg of Zoloft once per day to treat
anxiety/depression (works great!). I'm also taking 600mg of Lopid twice a day to reduce
my cholesterol. To the best of my knowledge, Zoloft is not currently on the approved
list from the FAA. Is it possible to get a waiver or anything? Thanks, Dave
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Lopid is approved, however you cannot fly on Zoloft.
Doc
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The term "FAA approved drug" is often used. Where can a pilot find a listing
of these drugs? (hopefully they're listed like in a PDA!) Thanx. Victor
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There is an official list, but it changes almost weekly. Call AOPA for a current
list.
Doc
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I have been placed on cardura. Is this an approved drug by the FDA for a third class
medical? Also what info do I need to take with me for my third class phisical from my
family doctor? Thanks Dan
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Yes, Cordura is approved. You need a letter from your doctor indicating
that you have hypertension controlled by Cordura, a copy of a recent
EKG, documentation of your last three blood pressures along with the
dates. If you happen to be on a diuretic (water pill), you will need to
send a copy of your chemistry panel.
Stephen
[Topics]
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At the time of my physical I indicated that I was taking Prozac for a sleep disorder.
Having been notified by the FAA that my medical was not valid I asked my physician to
send a letter to the Aeromedical Certification Division indicating that my 'sleep
corrected. My physician indicated that I have been off the medication for more than 90
days. Do you see any reason why my medical certification should not be determined to be
satisfactory for 3rd Class Private Pilot? How long should this process take? Tom
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More than likely yes, you can get your medical once you have been off the medicine for
more than 90 days. The letter from your Dr. indicating that you actually
dont have a sleep disorder, but job stress will really help.
Stephen
[Topics]
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I am in the process of studying for my private license and have hypertension. My
medication is atenolol 50mg/day. Will it affect my ability to obtain the necessary medical
certificate? Rod
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Yes. Atenolol is on the approved list. You will have to submit a
letter from your doctor describing the diagnosis of hypertension, along
with an EKG, and mention in the letter the dose and frequency taken, and
that you are not experiencing side effects. Submit three blood pressure
readings and their dates
Doc.
[Topics]
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Dr. Roberts, Over the years my blood pressure has always been on the mild Hi side
(128 over 30). But recent blood pressure tests has now showed a steady rise to
(135 over 85), and my MD wants to put me on blood preesure medication (Zestril).
Will this cause a denial to my third class physical certification requirements for
private pilots ??
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Yes, Zestril is approved. You will have to submit to your AME a
letter from your treating MD to include the diagnosis (hypertension),
the dose of medication you are taking (I.e. 10 or 20 mg), a copy of your
last EKG, along with three blood pressure readings and their dates.
If your BP is only 135/85, I would doubt that medications are needed.
Stephen
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