Editorial - Is there Risk when Prescribing Isotretinoin to Pilots: Might the Use of Isotretinoin Rule Out a Career in Flying?

Abstract

Besides females getting pregnant, there is now a new potential risk of persons taking isotretinoin, namely, being banned from certain professions, such as piloting airplanes. Presently, the Civil Aviation Authority in the United Kingdom completely contraindicates pilots from flying while on isotretinion [1]. Additionally, following a month off the drug, an English pilot is required to have formal ophthalmologic assessment by the Civil Aviation Authority. The guidelines for flight surgeons in Canada restricts pilots to A3 category in which pilots using isotretinoin are restricted to fly with or as copilot only. The Federal Aviation Administration in the United States has restrictions that persons on the drug are not approved for night flying, but is presently reviewing if more restrictions are appropriate.