Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir
Brand names: Paxlovid|Last verified: 2026-09-12
FAA Pathway: Conditionally acceptable — no flying during treatment or infection; 24 hours after last dose plus recovery criteria
The FAA accepts FDA-approved COVID-19 treatments such as Paxlovid, but you cannot fly while taking them or while you are symptomatic or infected. Before returning to flying, you must wait 24 hours after your last dose, be free of significant side effects, meet current CDC and FAA recovery guidelines, and meet the FAA's COVID-19 disposition requirements.
Related Resources
Pilot Tip
Always report all medications on your FAA medical application (Form 8500-8, Item 17a), even OTC medications. Failure to disclose is a far bigger issue than the medication itself.
Certification Details
Sources
- FAA AME Guide — Pharmaceuticals: COVID-19 Medication (faa.gov/ame_guide/media/COVID-19Medication.pdf)
Last verified: 2026-09-12
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir allowed for pilots?
The FAA considers Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir (Paxlovid) to be "Conditionally Approved" for medical certification purposes. The FAA accepts FDA-approved COVID-19 treatments such as Paxlovid, but you cannot fly while taking them or while you are symptomatic or infected. Before returning to flying, you must wait 24 hours after your last dose, be free of significant side effects, meet current CDC and FAA recovery guidelines, and meet the FAA's COVID-19 disposition requirements.
What is the FAA status of Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir?
Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir has a status of "Conditionally Approved" under FAA medical certification policy. The certification pathway is: Conditionally acceptable — no flying during treatment or infection; 24 hours after last dose plus recovery criteria.
Can I fly while taking Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir?
Flying while taking Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir may be possible through the FAA's Special Issuance process. You will need to meet specific requirements and obtain approval before exercising pilot privileges. Consult an experienced AME for guidance.
Important Notice
The FAA does not publish a comprehensive list of “approved” medications. The information on this page represents our interpretation of publicly available FAA guidance and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, legal advice, or a guarantee of certification outcome.
The primary issue with the FAA is always whether the underlying medical condition — not just the medication — is compatible with safe flight. You should only start, stop, or change medications after consulting your treating physician. Always consult with a qualified Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) for guidance specific to your situation. FAA policies are subject to change. ClearedMed is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA.