Can You Take Medication and Still Pass an FAA Medical Exam?

Your FAA medical exam is coming up, and you take medication regularly. Could that prescription affect your medical certificate?

Maybe you take medication for high blood pressure, seasonal allergies, or a condition you’ve managed for years. You feel fine, but you’re not sure whether the FAA will have concerns.

It’s a fair question. You don’t want an unexpected medical issue to get in the way of your training or flying plans.

The good news is that taking medication doesn’t automatically mean you can’t fly. When the FAA reviews medical exam medications, it looks at the drug, the condition it treats, and whether either one could affect flight safety.

Now let’s see what to expect, what to bring to your examination, and what to do if your medicine requires extra attention.

Can a Pilot Pass an FAA Medical Exam Taking Medication?

Indeed, you can become an FAA certified pilot with the use of the medication. This opportunity will depend on your treatment, your illness, and applicable requirements for your particular case.

When searching for an FAA approved list of medicines for pilots, you should refer to the guidelines released by the Federal Aviation Administration. There is no list of all the acceptable medications in the FAA. Some medicines will be considered acceptable under certain conditions; other drugs require further attention.

You’ll also come across two terms:

• Do Not Issue (DNI): The AME can’t issue the certificate until the required FAA clearance is obtained.
• Do Not Fly (DNF): The medication guidance requires you to avoid flying for a set period.

These cover different concerns. One is about getting the certificate, and the other is about whether it’s safe to fly after taking medication.

What Does an AME Consider When Reviewing Your Medication?

Your examiner is interested in what you take, the reasons for which and how it impacts you.

For instance, let’s think of two pilots using some drug for the same illness but one doesn’t have any side effects whereas the other suffers from dizziness every time he or she takes the medicine. The cases might be reviewed differently.

Your examiner might ask you about:

• Your medication, the dosage and frequency of taking it.
• The disease that is being treated and whether your symptoms are controlled.
• Side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness and inability to concentrate.
• Other medications you take and any possible interactions.
• Medical records or extra FAA review that may be needed.

You’ve probably seen online lists of medications that disqualify pilots. These are just a starting point and do not paint the full picture. Your health status and your response to treatment have an important bearing on the matter.

The role of an aviation medical examiner is to provide you with all the information that is required for reviewing your case.

What Are You Required to Do Prior to the FAA Medical Examination?

There’s no need to learn FAA regulations prior to the exam, as it is going to make the entire process more difficult for you.

Before you leave, compile a list of the medications that you are taking, their dosages, and frequency. Also include non-prescription drugs and any dietary supplements. Collect the relevant documentation for review that was required by your examiner.

The disclosure of medications per the FAA rules is important at the stage of filling out the MedXPress application. Provide the requested information on medications and do not attempt to guess at the answers to the questions.

If you have concerns about some prescription, an FAA medical examiner consultation prior to your visit may clarify what should be done and what documents are required.

Remember one important thing: never discontinue or alter the prescribed drug regimen just because you have to take the exam. Consult your treating healthcare professional first.

What Will Happen If Your Medication Requires Further Clarification?

In some cases, your AME may need additional information in order to release your medical certificate. You will be requested to provide medical documentation and reports from your treating physician. 

Your application may also be sent to the FAA for further review. That can be frustrating, especially if you have a checkride coming up. 

But a deferral isn’t the same as a denial. It means the examiner can’t issue the certificate right now, and more review is needed.

It depends on your specific medication and circumstances. Find out what is missing from your examiner.

You get the necessary information earlier, thus giving yourself more time for preparations rather than scrambling around for papers.