Crosscheck

Your medical. Crosschecked.

Other

Apremilast

Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor (non-biologic)
Other names: Otezla

FAA guidance

Acceptable with conditions.

Wait

2 weeks

ground trial when starting

Other FAA documents add more.

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's biologics sheet lists apremilast as acceptable monotherapy medication when the underlying condition qualifies, with a two-week ground trial when starting and no no-fly time after later doses, and a note to report any signs of depression.

Track your medications
Compare FAA documents: apremilastWhat each of the two FAA documents says, in plain wordsOpen

Wait

  • no wait after later doses

The FAA's CACI – Arthritis Worksheet lists it (PDE4) among its acceptable medications as any single medication after a 2-week ground trial, with no post-dose observation time, and says the examiner can issue if the pilot meets all of its acceptable certification criteria.

  • 14 days after starting: ground observation
Show the FAA's words: apremilastThe official FAA wording: two passages, each with its document and dateOpen
FAA, Biologics, Biosimilars, and Non-Biologics · FAA date 26 August 2026
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.
Non-Biologic Medications Post-dose Observation No-Fly times
Phosphodiesterase-4 Enzyme Inhibitor: apremilast (Otezla). Report any signs of depression, None
FAA, CACI – Arthritis Worksheet · FAA date 29 April 2026
If the applicant meets ALL the acceptable certification criteria listed below, the AME can issue
Phosphodiesterase-4 Enzyme Inhibitor (PDE4)
Any singe medication listed below after a 2-week ground trial and:
No post-dose observation time:
PDE4: apremilast (Otezla)
Sources and dates: apremilastTwo FAA documents, with the FAA's date and when Crosscheck checked themOpen

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.