Crohn's, Remicade and medical class 1
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Crohn's, Remicade and medical class 1
Hi!
Ok so here is the thing. Im very interessted in becoming a pilot and ever since I got my first demoflight experience I felt hooked by the airline profession.. That was 1 year ago.
Now the thing that has been nagging me for 1 year and still does is that im diagnosed with Crohn's disease, and treated with Remicade (infliximab). I contacted the medical class 1 doc, and accoording to him the Crohn's disease shouldent be an problem if its under controll and has been that for the past 2 years. Thing is. Crohn's is under controll but only if I take Remicade. I dident get an answer if Remicade would disqualify me from becoming a pilot. With Remicade it's like I never had the disease in the first place. But without its kinda though.
So here im asking you. Do any of you know or have any knowledge/experience with Remicade and the airline pilot career?
/shantiw
Ok so here is the thing. Im very interessted in becoming a pilot and ever since I got my first demoflight experience I felt hooked by the airline profession.. That was 1 year ago.
Now the thing that has been nagging me for 1 year and still does is that im diagnosed with Crohn's disease, and treated with Remicade (infliximab). I contacted the medical class 1 doc, and accoording to him the Crohn's disease shouldent be an problem if its under controll and has been that for the past 2 years. Thing is. Crohn's is under controll but only if I take Remicade. I dident get an answer if Remicade would disqualify me from becoming a pilot. With Remicade it's like I never had the disease in the first place. But without its kinda though.
So here im asking you. Do any of you know or have any knowledge/experience with Remicade and the airline pilot career?
/shantiw
Enouraging that Crohns itself isn't disqualifying.
I suspect that the authorities will have to take specialist advice about your drug treatment.
Maybe the immunosupressant issue may throw up a few issues, 'specially considering the pressures of your vocation.
Try and fight your corner on the grounds of the successful control so far.
I suspect that the authorities will have to take specialist advice about your drug treatment.
Maybe the immunosupressant issue may throw up a few issues, 'specially considering the pressures of your vocation.
Try and fight your corner on the grounds of the successful control so far.
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Encouraging that Crohn's itself isn't disqualifying
The authorities also take a cautious view on new, relatively unproven, remedies, and this is likely to be one of those. As more experience of new drugs is gained, then more pilots can be approved to use them. There is a web-site with useful information about this medication. I won't post a link to it, just "Google" the trade-name and you'll get straight there.
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Thanks alot for the answers!
Yes I kinda suspect that they will have to take some special considiration on my case. But I must say I got a nice feeling looking up that "google" link:P Actually found an answer wish I havent found before searching..
""New" FAA-authorized medications:
Remicade (infliximab): The FAA requires that a patient take two to three doses (usually given 2-4 weeks apart) before applying for approval of this treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease."
If im right, that means that they want the patient to take the medicin atleast 2-3 times before applying just to see that the patient dosent suffer from any side affects. Iv taken the dose for about 30-40 times, given every 6-12 weeks apart with no side affects at all, ever.
So that text kinda made me abit calmer Will take the class 1 test later this summer I belive. Il get back to you with the results of it incase someone is interessted.
So thanks for replying, and if anyone has a personal experience with this treatment and the aviation, feel free to post..
/shantiw
Yes I kinda suspect that they will have to take some special considiration on my case. But I must say I got a nice feeling looking up that "google" link:P Actually found an answer wish I havent found before searching..
""New" FAA-authorized medications:
Remicade (infliximab): The FAA requires that a patient take two to three doses (usually given 2-4 weeks apart) before applying for approval of this treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease."
If im right, that means that they want the patient to take the medicin atleast 2-3 times before applying just to see that the patient dosent suffer from any side affects. Iv taken the dose for about 30-40 times, given every 6-12 weeks apart with no side affects at all, ever.
So that text kinda made me abit calmer
Will take the class 1 test later this summer I belive. Il get back to you with the results of it incase someone is interessted.So thanks for replying, and if anyone has a personal experience with this treatment and the aviation, feel free to post
.. /shantiw
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Crohn's
Hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, I lost my Class 1 due to Crohn's about 25 years ago. CAA said they would reconsider 12 months later if I didn't have any flare-ups, but the doc did bluntly say 'it will be VERY hard to find employment now you've been diagnosed with Crohn's - even if not on medication and it is in remission'.
I know things have changed a lot since then, and I currently hold a class 2 medical, but Crohn's is a nasty disease and even if you tick the CAA medical boxes and get the Class 1, getting employment from an airline with Crohn's on your CV is going to be nigh on impossible.
I suppose my advice would be, if you've got Crohn's, don't spend thousands of pounds pursuing a dream. That said, if you've already spent the money - fight them all the way.
I know things have changed a lot since then, and I currently hold a class 2 medical, but Crohn's is a nasty disease and even if you tick the CAA medical boxes and get the Class 1, getting employment from an airline with Crohn's on your CV is going to be nigh on impossible.
I suppose my advice would be, if you've got Crohn's, don't spend thousands of pounds pursuing a dream. That said, if you've already spent the money - fight them all the way.
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Can the airlines do that? Surely if the CAA finds you fit to hold a licence, it is inappropriate for the airlines to take your medical history into account? That is what your AME is for. I would have thought that you might have grounds for complaint. After all, a Class 1 licence says you are fit to fly, what right have the airlines to say that you are not?
I can understand them saying that if you have a poor history of sickness absence due to a long-term health problem then that might be an issue but if that were the case, you probably wouldn't get the Class 1.
I am not a lawyer but I would be tempted to ask a legal friend (if you have one) where that sits in the discrimination camp. Are the airlines allowed to ask for confidential medical information?
I can understand them saying that if you have a poor history of sickness absence due to a long-term health problem then that might be an issue but if that were the case, you probably wouldn't get the Class 1.
I am not a lawyer but I would be tempted to ask a legal friend (if you have one) where that sits in the discrimination camp. Are the airlines allowed to ask for confidential medical information?
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I would be shocked and disappointed if that was the case. I am currently in a similar boat. Just found out I have Crohn's, and as a military pilot you're pretty much screwed. The big issue is, even if you're stable you can't fly as Pilot in Command.
Anyway, please let me know if anyone has any specific advice on the CAA's stance on Crohn's. I am currently taking PENTASA only to control the condition and have no side effects.
Anyway, please let me know if anyone has any specific advice on the CAA's stance on Crohn's. I am currently taking PENTASA only to control the condition and have no side effects.
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getting employment from an airline with Crohn's on your CV is going to be nigh on impossible
Second off - having had chron's for about ten years I have retained my class 1 and changed job while I had it. Then again I am in remission and take no drugs.
Third : In the UK Chron's could count as a disability and AFAIK you are under no obligation to bring it to the attention of any potential employer. It may be illegal under the Disability Discrimination Act for an interview panel to ask specific questions about it. About all they can ask is how many days off sick you have had in the past XX years.
All that said, for very good reasons the steroids and many other drugs used to control Chron's are contra indicated with flying.
Openness with the CAA medical department and your AME are the best bet. I've always had good support from them.
Whether I would start an aviation career knowing I had Chron's I'm not sure. I was already working when it manifested itself and as I have little other skills beyond flying I either got back to it or ended up on the dole - big motivation! Medicals are always the weakest point for any pilot so best advice - find a backup plan!
Usual cautions apply - I'm not a doctor, everything I say must be taken with a pinch of salt etc.
PS the original question was about Remicide - dunno is the answer. I'd suggest getting a specific answer from a National Aviation Authority before outlaying too much cash!
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Hi I was wondering if you pursued becoming a pilot or did Crohns stop you?
Thanks alot for the answers!
Yes I kinda suspect that they will have to take some special considiration on my case. But I must say I got a nice feeling looking up that "google" link:P Actually found an answer wish I havent found before searching..
""New" FAA-authorized medications:
Remicade (infliximab): The FAA requires that a patient take two to three doses (usually given 2-4 weeks apart) before applying for approval of this treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease."
If im right, that means that they want the patient to take the medicin atleast 2-3 times before applying just to see that the patient dosent suffer from any side affects. Iv taken the dose for about 30-40 times, given every 6-12 weeks apart with no side affects at all, ever.
So that text kinda made me abit calmer Will take the class 1 test later this summer I belive. Il get back to you with the results of it incase someone is interessted.
So thanks for replying, and if anyone has a personal experience with this treatment and the aviation, feel free to post..
/shantiw
Yes I kinda suspect that they will have to take some special considiration on my case. But I must say I got a nice feeling looking up that "google" link:P Actually found an answer wish I havent found before searching..
""New" FAA-authorized medications:
Remicade (infliximab): The FAA requires that a patient take two to three doses (usually given 2-4 weeks apart) before applying for approval of this treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease."
If im right, that means that they want the patient to take the medicin atleast 2-3 times before applying just to see that the patient dosent suffer from any side affects. Iv taken the dose for about 30-40 times, given every 6-12 weeks apart with no side affects at all, ever.
So that text kinda made me abit calmer
Will take the class 1 test later this summer I belive. Il get back to you with the results of it incase someone is interessted.So thanks for replying, and if anyone has a personal experience with this treatment and the aviation, feel free to post
.. /shantiw
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Apologies if this is a slight thread creep. However as it's been a while since a similar topic has been discussed, I thought I would just add some hopefully useful insight.
Whilst I don't have Crohn's, I do have Ulcerative Colitis. I also hold a Class 1 medical. UC and Crohn's are not themselves a definite restriction on obtaining and maintaining a Class 1. However it does make it a lot more difficult for you.
Fortunately I now manage to maintain full remission without medication, which led to an unrestricted Class 1. It is possible.
If you have recently been diagnosed (~ 2 years) and intend to hold a Class 1, my advice is find a way to keep it under control with strict diet and exercise. I appreciate this sounds easier that it is in reality, and can't always be done. But with the right experimenting with food and exercise, after a while you should be able to figure out what your individual 'triggers' are and to avoid them. With such an illness it is absolutely imperative you maintain good health and fitness and you can manage your stress levels.
If your condition requires a maintenance dose of medication to stay in remission, it is highly unlikely you will be able to maintain a Class 1. As you may be aware, Crohn's and UC have a habit of adapting, and the medication that works for you can suddenly become ineffective. This means you may require medication which results in your medical being suspended indefinitely.
So do not underestimate how difficult in can be to pursue (or continue) a flying career with Crohn's or UC. But I wouldn't consider it impossible. The earlier you start to adapt your lifestyle to your illness the quicker you will become in control of it.
I am not a medical expert I only speak from my experience. Also, it is worth speaking directly to an AME about any medication questions; I have also found them to be quite helpful.
Best of luck
Whilst I don't have Crohn's, I do have Ulcerative Colitis. I also hold a Class 1 medical. UC and Crohn's are not themselves a definite restriction on obtaining and maintaining a Class 1. However it does make it a lot more difficult for you.
Fortunately I now manage to maintain full remission without medication, which led to an unrestricted Class 1. It is possible.
If you have recently been diagnosed (~ 2 years) and intend to hold a Class 1, my advice is find a way to keep it under control with strict diet and exercise. I appreciate this sounds easier that it is in reality, and can't always be done. But with the right experimenting with food and exercise, after a while you should be able to figure out what your individual 'triggers' are and to avoid them. With such an illness it is absolutely imperative you maintain good health and fitness and you can manage your stress levels.
If your condition requires a maintenance dose of medication to stay in remission, it is highly unlikely you will be able to maintain a Class 1. As you may be aware, Crohn's and UC have a habit of adapting, and the medication that works for you can suddenly become ineffective. This means you may require medication which results in your medical being suspended indefinitely.
So do not underestimate how difficult in can be to pursue (or continue) a flying career with Crohn's or UC. But I wouldn't consider it impossible. The earlier you start to adapt your lifestyle to your illness the quicker you will become in control of it.
I am not a medical expert I only speak from my experience. Also, it is worth speaking directly to an AME about any medication questions; I have also found them to be quite helpful.
Best of luck
The treatment of all IBD has progressed by leaps and bounds. Only 20 years ago repeated major surgery was the norm. Current drug therapy prevents most surgery but it is important to start treatment early. Delaying drug therapy, relying on 'lifestyle and diet', is a bad move
I appreciate pilots will not want to start drugs because of the risk to their medical, but the consequences of advanced Crohns are not nice
I note we have not had chapter and verse about what other regulators do about immunosuppresants - that would be interesting because we see many younger sufferers effectively symptom free and stable on early treatment. The same applies to rheumatoid. I am not a regulator, not even an AME, but this may be an area where they are running to catch up with clinical medicine so there may be better news on the horizon
Information from others with more knowledge would be helpful
I appreciate pilots will not want to start drugs because of the risk to their medical, but the consequences of advanced Crohns are not nice
I note we have not had chapter and verse about what other regulators do about immunosuppresants - that would be interesting because we see many younger sufferers effectively symptom free and stable on early treatment. The same applies to rheumatoid. I am not a regulator, not even an AME, but this may be an area where they are running to catch up with clinical medicine so there may be better news on the horizon
Information from others with more knowledge would be helpful
