Metformin

Metformin prescribed for weight loss, for prediabetes or for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has its own entry.

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 48-hour observation within Groups B to G.

• 14 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

It says not to use the worksheet if the applicant has ever had an A1C of 6.5% or greater, and that diabetes in remission, diabetes treated with medication, or diabetes insipidus do not qualify. The worksheet applies with all its other criteria.

• 7 days after starting: ground observation
• 48 hours after a dose change: 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

The worksheet applies with all its other criteria, among them no evidence of diabetes, and the examiner must note in Block 60 one of its statements, which include CACI qualified, and not CACI qualified and deferred.

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

The FAA's CACI – Weight Loss Management worksheet, which the examiner uses for a single diabetic medication taken for weight loss, names it among the medications on which the examiner can issue when the applicant meets all its criteria, and says not to use that CACI if the applicant has ever had an A1C of 6.5% or greater.

• 7 days after starting: ground observation
• 48 hours after a dose change: ground observation