Heart
DOACs (newer blood thinners) and your FAA medical
Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOAC / DOAC)
Other names: apixaban, Eliquis, rivaroxaban, Xarelto, dabigatran, Pradaxa
Wait
2 weeks
observation when starting
The FAA documents quoted here name the class, not this medication. Crosscheck matched it through its class: Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOAC / DOAC).
The FAA's Anticoagulants page says that for applicants just beginning treatment with NOAC/DOACs, a minimum observation time of 2 weeks after starting is required, and the applicant must also meet any required observation time for the underlying condition.
Track your medicationsMore detail: DOACs (newer blood thinners)The rest of Crosscheck's reading, in plain wordsOpen
For non-valvular atrial fibrillation it points to its emboli mitigation guidance. On the FAA's current page, the two-week list is printed inside the warfarin section; earlier versions of the same page printed it under NOAC/DOACs.
The FAA's anticoagulants page sends the certification decision to the heart disposition table, Item 36, and the protocol to the specific underlying condition.
- 14 days after starting: ground observation
Show the FAA's words: DOACs (newer blood thinners)The official FAA wording: two passages, each with its document and dateOpen
For applicants who are just beginning treatment with NOAC/DOACs, the following is required:
For Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), See Emboli Mitigation (PDF)
Minimum observation time of 2 weeks after initiation of therapy; AND Must also meet any required observation time for the underlying condition
Aeromedical Decision Considerations:
See Item 36, Heart , Aerospace Medical Disposition table
Protocol:
As per the specific underlying condition(s), see Disease Protocols .