Stomach
Mesalamine
Medication for colitis on the FAA's colitis worksheet
Other names: Asacol, Pentasa, Lialda, Apriso, Delzicol, Canasa
Taken for: Colitis: Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, microscopic colitis or irritable bowel syndromeTaking it for something else? The entries here do not cover that use. The FAA may address it in the guidance for your condition. Ask your examiner.
Wait
48 hours
after the first dose (the FAA's MedGuide)
Examiner
CACI: the examiner can issue when the condition's worksheet criteria are met. Applicants for first- or second-class must provide the worksheet's information annually; applicants for third-class with each required exam
For Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, microscopic colitis or irritable bowel syndrome, the FAA's CACI – Colitis Worksheet lists mesalamine (Asacol, Pentasa, Lialda) among the medications for the condition; any other cause of colitis requires an FAA decision.
Track your medicationsCompare FAA documents: mesalamineWhat each of the two FAA documents says, in plain wordsOpen
The worksheet applies with all its other criteria, and the examiner must note in Block 60 one of its statements, which include CACI qualified colitis, and not CACI qualified and deferred.
The FAA's MedGuide names mesalamine (Asacol, Apriso, Delzicol, Lialda, Pentasa, Canasa, Rowasa) and its rectal enema (Canasa, Rowasa) as allowed, for ulcerative colitis and ulcerative proctitis, with a wait of 48 hours after the first dose and none after later doses or after the final dose, used as prescribed. The MedGuide defines allowed as acceptable for use while performing flight or safety-related duties, provided the condition is stable/aeromedically acceptable and no adverse side effects are present.
- 48 hours after the first dose: ground observation
Show the FAA's words: mesalamineThe official FAA wording: two passages, each with its document and dateOpen
Cause of Colitis
Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, microscopic colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome
Any other causes require an FAA decision.
Medications for condition
One or more of the following:
Sodium/Hydrogen Exchanger 3 Inhibitor
tenapanor (Ibsrela)
mercaptopurine (6-MP)
mesalamine (Asacol, Pentasa, Lialda)
AME MUST NOTE in Block 60 one of the following:
CACI qualified colitis. (Documents do not need to be submitted to the FAA.)
NOT CACI qualified. I have deferred. (Submit supporting documents.)
Generic: mesalamine
Brand Name: Asacol; Apriso; Delzicol; Lialda; Pentasa; Canasa; Rowasa
Drug Class: 5-Aminosalicylic Acid Derivative
Underlying Condition: Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): 48 hours
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: As prescribed
Generic: mesalamine (rectal enema)
Brand Name: Canasa; Rowasa
Drug Class: 5-Aminosalicylic Acid Derivative
Underlying Condition: Ulcerative Colitis (UC); Ulcerative proctitis
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): 48 hours
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: As prescribed
ALLOWED: The medication is acceptable for use while performing flight or safety-related duties, provided the condition is stable/aeromedically acceptable and no adverse side effects are present.