This from a letter I received from the CAA today:
Dear Mr Morris,
We have received the forms from your most recent revalidation medical examination via your AME...
I note from the form that you declare that you are taking the medication Cetirizine for hay fever symptoms.
For your information, this medication is disqualifying for aviator's (sic). Acceptable medication to take if you suffer from hay fever are (sic) Loratadine and Telfast. Please cease taking Cetirizine if you wish to maintain the validity of your medical certificate.
This made me very cross. First, that my AME didn't know that - why do they cost so much, if it isn't for their specialist knowledge? - and second, that this should be a blanket ban. For me, Cetirizine cures my hay fever symptoms with no side effects. Loratadine doesn't work (not tried Telfast - obviously will have to now!). Would they really rather I flew with streaming nose and eyes than control the symptoms with a medication which I know works?
Grrrrrrr. Yet another piece of evidence-free regulation...
Tim