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Diabetes

Meglitinides

Meglitinide (Group A2)
Other names: repaglinide, Prandin, nateglinide, Starlix

FAA guidance

Special issuance required.

Wait

60 days

when starting

Source: FAA, Acceptable Combinations of Diabetes Medications. FAA date 30 September 2026. Checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026

The FAA lists meglitinides in Group A2 of its diabetes chart with a 60-day observation when starting, not allowed with Group D medication; the initial certification decision is made by the FAA and the examiner must defer.

Track your medications
Compare FAA documents: MeglitinidesWhat each of the three FAA documents says, in plain wordsOpen

The FAA's diabetes disposition table says that for diabetes treated with one or more non-insulin diabetic medications the examiner should defer and submit the information to the FAA, and that the initial special issuance requires an FAA decision.

The FAA's AME Assisted Special Issuance page for type II diabetes controlled by medication says that, once the FAA has granted the Authorization, examiners may re-issue a medical certificate under it, provided the applicant does not require insulin, remains on an acceptable oral medication therapy according to the chart of acceptable combinations, and provides the documents it lists. Under medication adjustment, when the dose or formulation is changed or a different drug within the same class is started, the chart lists a 7-day observation within Group A2.

  • 60 days after starting: ground observation

FAA rule for diabetes medication: The FAA makes the initial certification decision and the examiner must defer; combinations of up to three non-insulin medications, only one from each group, are considered acceptable, with an observation period when starting one. Each component in a combination medication is counted separately (for example, rosiglitazone + metformin counts as 2 medications), 4 or more medications may be considered on a case-by-case basis, and for unlisted medications the chart says to consult AMCD or RFS. Under medication adjustment, the chart lists 48 hours within Groups B to G, 7 days within Group A2, 7 days within Group A1 if a new type of insulin is added (with a note that no time is needed for a minor dose change within the same drug class), and 7 days if transitioning between insulin injection to or from a pump, or for new insulin/CGM devices. The FAA's diabetes disposition table says that for diabetes treated with one or more non-insulin diabetic medications the examiner should defer and submit the information to the FAA, and that the initial special issuance requires an FAA decision. The FAA's AME Assisted Special Issuance page for type II diabetes controlled by medication says that, once the FAA has granted the Authorization, examiners may re-issue a medical certificate under it, provided the applicant does not require insulin, remains on an acceptable oral medication therapy according to the chart of acceptable combinations, and provides the documents it lists. For insulin, the chart says to see Medical Certification Using Insulin, and for starting or adding insulin it gives separate lines for third-class pilots or agency ATCS and for first- or second-class pilots, who must use the CGM protocol; insulin has its own entry, which asks for the class of medical. FAA, Acceptable Combinations of Diabetes Medications

Show the FAA's words: MeglitinidesThe official FAA wording: four passages, each with its document and dateOpen
FAA, Acceptable Combinations of Diabetes Medications · FAA date 30 September 2026
Initial Certification/Clearance decision is made by the FAA. The AME must defer.
When initiating NEW diabetes therapy (monotherapy or combination medications):
Group A2, 60 days.
A2 Meglitinides: nateglinide (Starlix), repaglinide (Prandin). Meglitinides not allowed with Group D
FAA, Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners – AASI for Diabetes Mellitus Type II, Medication Controlled · FAA date 28 January 2026
Examiners may re-issue an airman medical certificate under the provisions of an Authorization, provided that the applicant does not require insulin, remains on an acceptable oral medication therapy according to the chart of Acceptable Combinations of Diabetes Medications
FAA, Diabetes Mellitus Disposition Table · FAA date 27 September 2023
B.
Treated with one or more (non-insulin) diabetic medications
DEFER
Submit the information to the FAA.
Initial Special Issuance – Requires FAA Decision
Follow up Special Issuances - See Diabetes Mellitus - Type II, Medication Controlled (Not Insulin)
FAA, Acceptable Combinations of Diabetes Medications · FAA date 30 September 2026
Medication Adjustment
When changing the dose, formulation (e.g., immediate vs. extended release), or switching to a different drug/device within the same class.
Adjusting Medication Observation Time
Within Group A2 7 days
Sources and dates: MeglitinidesThree 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.