New drug for diabetics cleared for use by pilots

New drug for diabetics cleared for use by pilots

By AOPA ePublishing staff

Is Januvia on your list of medications? If so, the FAA recently announced that pilots can use this new treatment for Type II diabetes.

Januvia, the brand name for sitagliptin phosphate, prolongs the activity of certain proteins that increase the release of insulin when blood sugar increases, such as after a meal. Januvia can be used alone or in combination with other oral diabetes medications.

Pilots who have received a denial letter from the FAA after reporting the use of this drug are now eligible for reconsideration. A status report from your treating physician and a current A1C hemoglobin test result are necessary.

Questions? Contact AOPA's medical certification staff at 800/USA-AOPA or by e-mail.

October 25, 2007