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Women's health

Ethinyl estradiol + ethynodiol diacetate and your FAA medical

Estrogen + Progestin
Other names: Demulen

FAA guidance

Acceptable with conditions.

Wait

24 hours

after the first dose

Source: FAA, MedGuide (FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine medication reference). FAA date 27 October 2026. Checked by Crosscheck 11 November 2026

The FAA's MedGuide lists ethinyl estradiol + ethynodiol diacetate (Demulen) as allowed, for contraception, with a wait of 24 hours after the first dose and none after later doses or after the final dose, used as prescribed.

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More detail: ethinyl estradiol + ethynodiol diacetateThe rest of Crosscheck's reading, in plain wordsOpen

The MedGuide defines allowed as acceptable for use while performing flight or safety-related duties, provided the condition is stable/aeromedically acceptable and no adverse side effects are present, and says wait times are not determined solely by the medication: an extended observation period may be required to verify clinical stability of the condition.

  • 24 hours after the first dose: ground observation
Show the FAA's words: ethinyl estradiol + ethynodiol diacetateThe official FAA wording: three passages, each with its document and dateOpen
FAA, MedGuide (FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine medication reference) · FAA date 27 October 2026
Generic: ethinyl estradiol + ethynodiol diacetate
Brand Name: Demulen
Drug Class: Estrogen + Progestin
Underlying Condition: Contraception
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): 24 hours
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: As prescribed
FAA, MedGuide (FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine medication reference) · FAA date 27 October 2026
ALLOWED: The medication is acceptable for use while performing flight or safety-related duties, provided the condition is stable/aeromedically acceptable and no adverse side effects are present.
FAA, MedGuide (FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine medication reference) · FAA date 27 October 2026
Underlying Condition: Evaluating medication use requires considering the impact of safety of flight from both the medication and underlying condition. Wait times are not determined solely by the medication; an extended observation period may be required to verify clinical stability of the condition.
Sources and dates: ethinyl estradiol + ethynodiol diacetateOne FAA document, with the FAA's date and when Crosscheck checked itOpen

Questions pilots ask

Each answer is built from the FAA guidance on this page. Its sources and dates are in the page.

What does the FAA say about ethinyl estradiol + ethynodiol diacetate for pilots?

FAA guidance: Acceptable with conditions. The FAA's MedGuide lists ethinyl estradiol + ethynodiol diacetate (Demulen) as allowed, for contraception, with a wait of 24 hours after the first dose and none after later doses or after the final dose, used as prescribed. Crosscheck does not predict the FAA's decision.

How long is the FAA's wait for ethinyl estradiol + ethynodiol diacetate?

24 hours after the first dose.

Related pages

Medication guidance alone does not determine whether a pilot is medically qualified to fly. The underlying condition, dosage, side effects, medication combinations, and certification history may affect FAA eligibility.

For informational purposes only. Not legal or medical advice.