Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatories: Can We Take Them and Fly?

[Hugh Jarse]

A question for you medical types: Can we take them (as ATPL's) and legally operate as flight crew on scheduled services? Painkiller/Anti-Inflammatories like Nurofen Plus.:confused:

It was too late to ring CASA Medical:suspect:

Any supporting documentary references would be greatly appreciated.:ok:

[rmcdonal]

That would be one of those 'Wish I had asked first' questons wouldn't it?
Best bet is to pester your DAME. But I think the simplified answer is if it can be proven to effect ANY part of your flying then you don't have a leg to stand on. But hey your talking to us now so can't be to bad. :}

[DirectAnywhere]

Not a medical type but from netdoctor.co.uk try this link. (http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100003540.html)

In short no as, according to that source, Nurofen Plus ie. a codeine/ ibuprofen combo: "may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Alcohol should be avoided."

Of course, thay say that about paracetamol to cover their arse so I'm not really sure!

[Hugh Jarse]

you don't have a leg to stand on
THAT is sooo very close to the truth that you almost outed me, rmcdonal:} :E;);)

DirectAnywhere, I should have taken a look on the box.:ooh: My physio is trying to get me back to work ASAP, and the only medicine I can manage the pain with at the moment is either Nurofen Plus or Panadeine Forte. The paracetamol over the counter medications are largely ineffective on the pain I have to deal with:mad: and I hate taking painkillers at the best of times:eek:

Guess I'll be waiting a bit longer.

Thanx guys.

[Guppy Driver]

You may wish to ask your quack to give you some CAPADEX. I've successfully used it to ease absolutely chronic backpain, and it's all with the blessing from my doc for flying. Just don't take it if you are planning a beer - that's right, not even ONE beer. this stuff just doesn't mix with alcohol, but then again - alcohol doesn't mix with flying anyhow:ok:

[The Bullwinkle]

Can't you remember the Four rules, and their priority in Aviation?
1. Aviate
2. Navigate
3. Communicate
4. Self-Medicate :ok:

[Oh that's super!]

Hugh Jarse - Nurofen Plus is a combination analgesic and not just an NSAID - it contains codeine (albeit a relatively low dose).

CASA's DAME manual (Dec 2003 edition - sorry if it's been updated since) says:

Simple analgesics such as single doses of aspirin, paracetamol, and ibuprofen to provide analgesia may be used for minor self-limiting conditions. Paracetamol is preferable as there is less risk of gastric irritation. Medications containing Codeine should not be used for this purpose.
(My emphasis)

Capadex mentioned above also contains a substance in a same family as codeine (but this is prescription only). No way I'd fly on Capadex personally though, because it makes me feel quite ill. It also has a higher occurrence rate of side effects (speaking from memory) than a low-dose codeine.

[Northern Chique]

Anyone taking any codine or opiate based medication should be aware that this medication will show up on most drug tests as a Postive within a couple of hours of taking the medication on some drug tests. Others may take a couple of hours more. Codine is found in many common over the counter pain killers, and cold and flu meds.

What the routine tests do not show is the concentration. Any positive test is dependant on company procedure, but usually from my experience, the person is stood down on full pay until the sample is sent of for GCMS analysis. There are guidelines stating permitted levels. It would be rare for a single tablet taken a couple of times per day to go over those recommended guidelines, but some companies are much stricter than the guidelines suggest.

Any reading over the limit is dealt with as per company policy and procedure, and can vary from sacking to merely "call in sick for a day or two".

Any pain irritating enough to cause folks to start hunting for the strongest OTC analgesia, could well be irritating enough to be distracting. I am a happy advocate of NSAID's specific to the complaint. Some being better than others. But always read the label and the list of ingredients. Don't double up. If you are "piggy backing" medication to treat a number of symptoms, be aware that many drugs are processed through the liver. By that fact, adding alcohol can cause major changes to breakdown rates, levels of free drug in the blood stream and so on.

If the piece of paper and the packet state, "WARNING - This medication may cause drowsyness", its probably a good indicator it is on the list of substances not recommended for use in an aviation environment.

[Pinky the pilot]

Hugh Jarse and Guppy Driver; Please check your PMs.

[Hugh Jarse]

Thanx everybody for the informative responses:ok:

[Dehavillanddriver]

Jarse,

if you hunt around the CASA website you will find the DAME's handbook, which will tell you what you can and can't take.

it is most informative, and i suspect that the majority of us don't comply!

[Hugh Jarse]

You legend, DHD:ok:

I downloaded the book and it answers everything. It appears I'm snookered for a little while longer;)

[Pass-A-Frozo]

Never hesitate, Self medicate :p