Cholesterol
Statins
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Other names: atorvastatin, Lipitor, Sortis, Litorva, rosuvastatin, Crestor
Wait
24 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 statins give different waits.
Track your medicationsCompare FAA documents: StatinsWhat each of the two FAA documents says, in plain wordsOpen
The FAA's documents differ. The FAA's cholesterol sheet gives every cholesterol medicine a 48-hour ground trial when starting; the FAA's MedGuide, newer and written medicine by medicine, gives this one 24 hours after the first dose. Both are current FAA documents and both name the medicine, so neither is set aside.
Wait
- 48-hour ground trial when starting (the FAA's cholesterol sheet)
The FAA's MedGuide names atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Altoprev), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor) as allowed, for high cholesterol, with a wait of 24 hours after the first dose and none after later doses or after the final dose, used as prescribed.
The FAA's cholesterol sheet lists statins as acceptable cholesterol medication and says all drug classes require the minimum standard 48-hour initial ground trial. 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.
- 24 hours after the first dose: ground observation
- 48 hours after starting: ground observation
Show the FAA's words: StatinsThe official FAA wording: two passages, each with its document and dateOpen
All drug classes require the minimum standard 48-hour initial ground trial. ACCEPTABLE Cholesterol Medications (as a single agent or in any combination product). HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor: atorvastatin (Lipitor; Sortis [INTL]), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Altoprev), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor), simvastatin (Zocor).
Generic: atorvastatin
Brand Name: Lipitor; Litorva [INTL]; Sortis [INTL]
Drug Class: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Underlying Condition: Hypercholesterolemia; Hyperlipidemia
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): 24 hours
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: As prescribed
Generic: fluvastatin
Brand Name: Lescol
Drug Class: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Underlying Condition: Hypercholesterolemia; Hyperlipidemia
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): 24 hours
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: As prescribed
Generic: lovastatin
Brand Name: Altoprev; Mevacor [INTL]
Drug Class: HMG-CoA enzyme reductase inhibitor
Underlying Condition: Hypercholesterolemia
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): 24 hours
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: As prescribed
Generic: pravastatin
Brand Name: Pravachol
Drug Class: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Underlying Condition: Hypercholesterolemia; Hyperlipidemia
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): 24 hours
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: As prescribed
Generic: rosuvastatin
Brand Name: Crestor
Drug Class: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Underlying Condition: Hypercholesterolemia; Hyperlipidemia
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): 24 hours
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: As prescribed
Generic: simvastatin
Brand Name: Zocor
Drug Class: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Underlying Condition: Hypercholesterolemia; Hyperlipidemia
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): 24 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.