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Other

Abatacept

Selective co-stimulation modulator, biologic
Other names: Orencia

FAA guidance

Acceptable with conditions.

Wait

2 weeks

ground trial when starting

Different waits apply in other cases.

Examiner

The examiner can issue when the document's criteria are met

FAA label

ACCEPTABLE

Source: FAA, Biologics, Biosimilars, and Non-Biologics. FAA date 26 August 2026. Checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026

The FAA lists abatacept as an acceptable biologic when the underlying condition qualifies, with a two-week ground trial when starting and 24 hours of no-fly after each dose.

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More detail: abataceptThe rest of Crosscheck's reading, in plain wordsOpen

Wait

  • 24 hours no-fly after each dose
  • a forty-eight hour ground trial when changing from one biologic or biosimilar to another for the same indication

Changing from one biologic or biosimilar to another for the same indication requires a 48-hour ground trial.

  • 14 days after starting: ground observation
  • 24 hours after each dose: no flying
Show the FAA's words: abataceptThe official FAA wording: two passages, each with its document and dateOpen
FAA, Biologics, Biosimilars, and Non-Biologics · FAA date 26 August 2026
Observation times: Required ground trial and/or no-fly after each dose. Initial observation: All require a 2-week no-fly/ground trial to verify no side effects.
ACCEPTABLE BIOLOGICS - MONOTHERAPY MEDICATION Permitted if the underlying condition qualifies; consult the condition pages for details.
Selective Co-stimulation Modulator: abatacept (Orencia), 24 hours
FAA, Biologics, Biosimilars, and Non-Biologics · FAA date 26 August 2026
Changing from one biologic/biosimilar to another for the same indication requires a forty-eight (48) hour ground trial to mitigate any aeromedical risk.
Sources and dates: abataceptOne FAA document, with the FAA's date and when Crosscheck checked itOpen

See also

Medication guidance alone does not determine whether a pilot is medically qualified to fly. The underlying condition, dosage, side effects, medication combinations, and certification history may affect FAA eligibility.

For informational purposes only. Not legal or medical advice.