IBD Crohns or Ulcerative Colitis Newer Meds?
02-14-2019, 06:03 PM
#1
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Joined APC: Feb 2019
Position: Mooney 231
Posts: 2
IBD Crohns or Ulcerative Colitis Newer Meds?
Good Evening Guys,
I'm new to the forum but have been flying for a few years. I got Dx'ed with UC about a month after earning my PPL. Its been over a year since but Ive had a few flare ups that required a short low dosage of steroids to bring remission. Ive been religious about taking my maintenance dose of Mesalamine and still having these flares come and go. So now my Dr. says I should try one of the newer biologic drugs like Entyvio, Zeljanz or Stelara. My current pharmaceuticals are on the approved list but I don't see anything about these newer Biologic therapies. I would like keep moving forward on these ratings but I'm trying to figure out how to stay heathy, navigate these meds and obtain/maintain a 1st class medical.
Has anyone here experienced this or similar? Thanks!
I'm new to the forum but have been flying for a few years. I got Dx'ed with UC about a month after earning my PPL. Its been over a year since but Ive had a few flare ups that required a short low dosage of steroids to bring remission. Ive been religious about taking my maintenance dose of Mesalamine and still having these flares come and go. So now my Dr. says I should try one of the newer biologic drugs like Entyvio, Zeljanz or Stelara. My current pharmaceuticals are on the approved list but I don't see anything about these newer Biologic therapies. I would like keep moving forward on these ratings but I'm trying to figure out how to stay heathy, navigate these meds and obtain/maintain a 1st class medical.
Has anyone here experienced this or similar? Thanks!
02-19-2019, 08:57 AM
#2
Perennial Reserve
Joined APC: Jan 2018
Posts: 11,482
Originally Posted by Pain In The Ass
Good Evening Guys,
I'm new to the forum but have been flying for a few years. I got Dx'ed with UC about a month after earning my PPL. Its been over a year since but Ive had a few flare ups that required a short low dosage of steroids to bring remission. Ive been religious about taking my maintenance dose of Mesalamine and still having these flares come and go. So now my Dr. says I should try one of the newer biologic drugs like Entyvio, Zeljanz or Stelara. My current pharmaceuticals are on the approved list but I don't see anything about these newer Biologic therapies. I would like keep moving forward on these ratings but I'm trying to figure out how to stay heathy, navigate these meds and obtain/maintain a 1st class medical.
Has anyone here experienced this or similar? Thanks!
I'm new to the forum but have been flying for a few years. I got Dx'ed with UC about a month after earning my PPL. Its been over a year since but Ive had a few flare ups that required a short low dosage of steroids to bring remission. Ive been religious about taking my maintenance dose of Mesalamine and still having these flares come and go. So now my Dr. says I should try one of the newer biologic drugs like Entyvio, Zeljanz or Stelara. My current pharmaceuticals are on the approved list but I don't see anything about these newer Biologic therapies. I would like keep moving forward on these ratings but I'm trying to figure out how to stay heathy, navigate these meds and obtain/maintain a 1st class medical.
Has anyone here experienced this or similar? Thanks!
This is the GENERAL guideline:
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org...asses/colitis/
There is no general list of acceptable by reg medications and those commonly accepted change constantly. That being said the biological actually don’t appear to have any worse side effect profiles than those commonly used. The ‘secret’ seems to be to find your optimum treatment that gives YOU minimal to no side effects and then get a special issuance granted.
UC and Chrohn’s are diseases with a lot of person to person variability. Even with the BEST of treatment, some people with them will find it exceedingly difficult to have a successful career in aviation.
But many can, and hooefully you will be one of them. Over 2000 special issuances for Ulcerative Colitis have been granted by the FAA.
02-19-2019, 06:17 PM
#3
New Hire
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Joined APC: Feb 2019
Position: Mooney 231
Posts: 2
Thank you very much for the info cargo dog, I was able to find another recent list that did indicate special issuance approvals for biologic therapy for UC, Crohns, and other autoimmune disorders. I did speek with my GI Dr. and he said that one of his UC patients works for a major and had to write a letter to his AME, nice to know he is willing to help. Interesting to hear about the 2,000+ Special issuance UC'ers.
How do airlines feel about hiring someone with UC that may need to randomly take a few weeks off per year?
How do airlines feel about hiring someone with UC that may need to randomly take a few weeks off per year?
02-20-2019, 04:38 AM
#4
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2009
Position: A320 CA
Posts: 282
Originally Posted by Pain In The Ass
How do airlines feel about hiring someone with UC that may need to randomly take a few weeks off per year?
02-20-2019, 06:59 AM
#5
Perennial Reserve
Joined APC: Jan 2018
Posts: 11,482
Originally Posted by Pain In The Ass
How do airlines feel about hiring someone with UC that may need to randomly take a few weeks off per year?
If the Federal Air Surgeon says you are fit to fly, HR doesn’t get a vote.
03-06-2019, 06:03 PM
#6
New Hire
Joined APC: Mar 2019
Posts: 1
I have been diagnosed with Crohn’s and still have a successful career as a pilot. Fortunately I have been stable for a couple of years with minimal flare ups. I am currently on Remicade and Azathioprone (imuran). My GI simply writes a letter once a year to my AME and no problem/delay in getting my 1st class.
Best advice is get on meds that work for you and don’t worry about what hoops you will have to jump through with the FAA. Concentrate on your health first and then enjoy your career second. Took me years and many different medications to finally get stable. Along with that came many breaks in flying, but am finally enjoying my career again!
Best of luck!
Best advice is get on meds that work for you and don’t worry about what hoops you will have to jump through with the FAA. Concentrate on your health first and then enjoy your career second. Took me years and many different medications to finally get stable. Along with that came many breaks in flying, but am finally enjoying my career again!
Best of luck!
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