Crosscheck

Your medical. Crosschecked.

Asthma and breathing

Omalizumab

IgE inhibitor, biologic
Other names: Xolair

FAA guidance

Depends on the underlying condition.

Wait

2 weeks

ground trial when starting

Different waits apply in other cases.

FAA label

CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTABLE

Source: FAA, Biologics, Biosimilars, and Non-Biologics. FAA date 26 August 2026. Checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026

The FAA lists omalizumab as conditionally acceptable, depending on the underlying condition, with a two-week ground trial when starting and 24 hours of no-fly after each dose.

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

Wait

  • 24 hours no-fly after each dose
  • a forty-eight hour ground trial when changing from one biologic or biosimilar to another for the same indication

Changing from one biologic or biosimilar to another for the same indication requires a 48-hour ground trial.

The FAA's CACI – Asthma Worksheet says monoclonal antibodies are not acceptable for CACI; it does not name omalizumab.

  • 14 days after starting: ground observation
  • 24 hours after each dose: no flying
Show the FAA's words: omalizumabThe official FAA wording: three 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.
CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTABLE BIOLOGIC MEDICATIONS Monotherapy — Dependent on underlying condition(s), see those pages.
IgE Inhibitor: omalizumab (Xolair), 24 hours
FAA, Biologics, Biosimilars, and Non-Biologics · FAA date 26 August 2026
Changing from one biologic/biosimilar to another for the same indication requires a forty-eight (48) hour ground trial to mitigate any aeromedical risk.
FAA, CACI – Asthma Worksheet · FAA date 24 September 2025
Acceptable Medications
NOT acceptable for CACI:
Monoclonal antibodies
Sources and dates: omalizumabTwo 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.