medication...

[Flying Illini]

Just wondering if anyone knew of a website that lists acceptable and/or disqualifying medications. A site that also includes the common name (i.e. Advil) would be great too since I hate reading all of the ingredient lists.

One more question. If an ingredient is a disqualifying ingredient but it is in the INACTIVE ingredient list is it still disqualifying?

 

[laker inbound]

I don't know if you're a member of AOPA or not, but if so, they have a nice page devoted to this subject:

http://www.aopa.org/members/databases/medical/search_faa_meds.cfm

 

[avbug]

The FAA doesn't approve medications, per se. Some are put in classifications for medications which the administrator hasn't specifically made prohibition against...but it's not the same as an "approved" medication.

A much larger concern than the medication itself is the reason you're taking it. The underlying condition is often a greater concern than the medication you're using to hide it.

 

[Iceman21]

When in doubt about a medication, just call your AME.

Hopefully your AME is not you Family medical doctor. That is asking for trouble if you ask me.

Anyone have any comments about the AME being the family Doc?

 

[Flying Illini]

avbug,
my curiousity stemmed from the occasional headache. I usually take advil for it but wanted to know if there were any restrictions against using tylenol or advil or the like. I couldn't find anything on that site about any of the common pain-killers. Any info?

 

[Iceman21]

Aspirin is a blood thinner and has been linked as a likely cause in a few NTSB reports. Aspirin has been linked as a cause of strokes.

So even though the headache relief is a great thing I am not sure your AME would go for it. And when it comes to the FAA and medicine, your AME is the FAA.

Doesn't hurt to ask


EDIT: Aspirin is "approved" by the FAA, however, the out they have is "dependant upon reason usage" I would call your AME. I went on steriods for an ear infection and that disqaulified my medical until I 5 days after I got off the meds

 

[avbug]

Try this, it offer a good explaination to your question:

http://www.leftseat.com/medications.htm

 

[bobbysamd]

AME as your family physician

Anyone have any comments about the AME being the family Doc?

Don't use your AME as your family physician. An AME's interests are opposed to those of your personal physician.

An AME is the FAA's industrial physician. He/she is not out to keep you flying; he/she is out to protect the FAA. Given the confidentiality of the doctor-patient relationship, the conflict of interests should be clear. You should not admit to any kind of health problem beyond what is asked for on the medical certificate app to an AME.

I second the suggestions above about contacting the AOPA or www.leftseat.com for medications advice. Do not seek such advice from your AME.

 

[sydeseet]

Yes you can take Tylenol, Advil, or the generic form of either. Heck, the airline I worked at stocked these in the crew rooms. If the headache is above and beyond the typical tension or sinus type then maybe you should seek medical attention - but NOT from your AME. ie - migraines, chronic sinus pain, tooth pain, etc... Outside of my AME I rarely make a trip to the MD for anything (besides OB visits with my pregant wife - but the FAA has approved those !!!) Last year I went to a "Doc in a box" for a headcold that wouldn't go a way and she was very clued-in to what she was able to administer to me without affecting my flight status. I was impressed!! By the way - Flonase is an approved way to treat allergies - turns out I have them after all these years without!!!

If in doubt either get some information or take a few days off while your condition clears. Anything that requires a prescription should get your attention as should any medication that includes warnings about drowsiness or a prohibition against operating machinery.

Good luck and use your head!!!!!

 

[Flying Illini]

Thanks to all. The leftseat.com site is great!

 

[gopherflight]

Just renewed my medical the other day. Something new: Now the FAA is having you sign a form saying you authorize the Feds to contact and obtain your medical information from any and every doctor you've been too. I don't know the ramifications of not signing.

 

[Flying Illini]

privacy? what privacy?

 

[wickedpilot]

Good website references. I have a question about those motion sickness pils, Dramamine (sp). Didn't see it on the web site; just an article about Ginger root. I've never been motion sick in the air but have overheard some conversations and was curious what the FAA ruling was myself?

 

[Iceman21]

Yeah, talk about Dramamine. I know I will have to talk about the affects of Dramamine on my checkride sometime this week.

Haven't really had a thought about it and I do not know any of the side effects of Dramamine

 

[IfIHadABoat]

Sorry for the headaches

Flying Illini,
I hope I didn't cause you any of those headaches this semester. They probably stemmed from that trip to Midway when I rode in the back.