Knee Pain Meds

[SoCal 182 Driver]

Friends - My knees are painful. Doc is talking about a Zilretta injection (if insurance approves) or Celestone.

I don't see either of these meds in the FAA database that I checked. Will either of them cause any issues with the FAA (other than waiting a few days before flying to see if I have an adverse reaction)?

Thanks!

 

[flyingron]

Neither one of these is actually a "pain med." They're both steroids that may relieve inflammation and reduce pain. Zilretta is actually the same stuff that is Flonase. Both are problematic for long-term use. Frankly, you don't want to be flying on them.

 

[Clip4]

Zilretta is time release cortisone.

 

[SoCal 182 Driver]

Zilretta is actually the same stuff that is Flonase. Both are problematic for long-term use. Frankly, you don't want to be flying on them.

But isn't Flonase OK as far as the FAA is concerned?

 

[flyingron]

Yes, Flonase is fine. The problems with the long-term injected use is some adverse endocrine effects and possible mood issues. Some of the similar drugs are approved on an SI basis, I don't know about these.

 

[flyingron]

Zilretta is time release cortisone.

No, not quite. It's a time-release corticosteroid, but the drug is triamcinolone, which while related is distinct from cortisone.

 

[Clip4]

No, not quite. It's a time-release corticosteroid, but the drug is triamcinolone, which while related is distinct from cortisone.

triamcinolone is also used to treat a variety of skin conditions and is FAA approved for asthma and alergies.