Bones
Oral bisphosphonates
Bisphosphonate (oral)
Other names: alendronate, Fosamax, ibandronate, Boniva, risedronate, Actonel
Wait
48 hours
after the first dose (the FAA's MedGuide)
Two FAA documents give different waits. Both are below.
Examiner
The examiner can issue when the document's criteria are met
FAA label
ACCEPTABLE
The FAA's two documents on oral bisphosphonates give different waits.
Track your medicationsCompare FAA documents: Oral bisphosphonatesWhat each of the two FAA documents says, in plain wordsOpen
The FAA's documents differ. The FAA's osteoporosis sheet gives these no observation period; the FAA's MedGuide, newer and written medicine by medicine, gives each 48 hours after the first dose. Both are current FAA documents and both name the medicine, so neither is set aside.
Wait
- no observation period (the FAA's osteoporosis sheet)
The FAA's MedGuide names alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva) and risedronate (Actonel) as allowed, for osteoporosis, with a wait of 48 hours after the first dose and none after later doses or after the final dose, used as prescribed.
The FAA's osteoporosis sheet lists oral bisphosphonates as acceptable osteoporosis medication when the certification criteria are met, with no observation period. 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: Oral bisphosphonatesThe official FAA wording: two passages, each with its document and dateOpen
ACCEPTABLE Osteoporosis Medications (when certification criteria are met). Bisphosphonate (Oral): Alendronate (Fosamax), Ibandronate (Boniva), Risedronate (Actonel), None, None
Generic: alendronate
Brand Name: Fosamax
Drug Class: Bisphosphonate
Underlying Condition: Osteoporosis
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: ibandronate
Brand Name: Boniva
Drug Class: Bisphosphonate
Underlying Condition: Osteoporosis
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: risedronate
Brand Name: Actonel
Drug Class: Bisphosphonate
Underlying Condition: Osteoporosis
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.