Crosscheck

Your medical. Crosschecked.

Infections

COVID-19 treatments

FDA-approved COVID-19 antiviral
Other names: Paxlovid, nirmatrelvir, nirmatrelvir + ritonavir, molnupiravir, Lagevrio, remdesivir

FAA guidance

Do not fly while taking it.

Wait

24 hours

after the last dose, free of significant side effects, CDC/FAA recovery guidelines and the COVID-19 Disposition Table met

Source: FAA, COVID-19 Medication. FAA date 27 September 2023. Checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026

The FAA says you cannot take a COVID-19 medication and fly or perform safety-related duties, and not to fly while taking any of the listed medications until all four of its criteria are met.

Track your medications
More detail: COVID-19 treatmentsThe rest of Crosscheck's reading, in plain wordsOpen

FDA or EUA-approved COVID-19 medications are acceptable, with no flying or safety-related duties during the infection, and no flying if symptomatic or infected. All of the following must be met before returning to flight status or safety-related duties: 24 hours after the last dose, free of significant side effects, the current CDC/FAA guidelines for recovery from COVID disease or exposure met, and the requirements on the COVID-19 Disposition Table met.

  • 24 hours after the last dose: no flying
Show the FAA's words: COVID-19 treatmentsThe official FAA wording: one passage, each with its document and dateOpen
FAA, COVID-19 Medication · FAA date 27 September 2023
FDA or Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) approved COVID-19 medications are acceptable.
NO flying or safety-related duties permitted DURING COVID-19 infection.
You cannot take a COVID-19 medication and fly or perform safety-related duties.
DO NOT fly if taking ANY medications listed until ALL items (#1-4) in the next column are met; and
DO NOT fly if symptomatic or infected.
Currently FDA approved treatment(s)*
molnupiravir (no brand name)
nirmatrelvir + ritonavir (Paxlovid)
remdesivir (Veklury)
ALL of the following criteria must be met BEFORE returning to flight status or safety-related duties:
1. Wait 24 hours after the last dose of COVID-19 medication; AND
2. Be free of significant side effects after COVID-19 medication; AND
3. Meet the current CDC/FAA guidelines for recovery from COVID disease or exposure; AND
4. Meet the requirements on the COVID-19 Disposition Table.
Sources and dates: COVID-19 treatmentsOne 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.