"G.R. Patterson III" wrote in message
...


Tom Sixkiller wrote:

Just got back from the family doctor this afternoon and he is putting me
on
a strong dose of Celebrix for arthritis. I don't suppose this would be
cause
for interruption of my Medical Certificate, would it?

There is no entry for that medication in the AOPA medical database. That's
not
conclusive, of course, but they also have this to say about a diagnosis of
arthritis -

Arthritis

At the time of your next examination, you will need to provide your
aviation
medical examiner with a
current status report from your treating physician. If the information
is
acceptable to the AME and
you are found otherwise qualified, your AME may issue your medical
certificate at
that time.

The report should include:

Type of arthritis.
General assessment of condition and effect on daily activities.
Name and dosage of any medication(s), and comments regarding any
medication side
effects.
Assessment of range of motion of neck, upper and lower extremities,
and hands.

The AME should defer the application to the Regional Flight Surgeon or
Aerospace
Medical Certification
Division if:

There is development of any associated systemic manifestations.
There is new joint involvement.
Medication or treatment is required, including Plaquenil, oral
chemotherapy-type
medications
(Methotrexate, steroids in dosage equivalent greater than 20mg of
Prednisone
daily, or gold
therapy).

Thanks, George.

Right now the case is rather minor. What I'm going on is celecoxib which I
don't find any mention of in the AME section. IIUC, Celebrex is about the
medication for the mildest forms of arthritis and I only have it in the main
joints (elbow and knees). FP didn't foresee any problem in the near future,
especially if the medication works well.

Thanks again for the info!

Tom