Rx & OTC Medications

FTA Drug and Alcohol Regulation Updates
Issue 27, page 5

Most individuals realize that prescription medications not taken according to the directions may be addictive, harmful, or deadly. However, many people do not realize that taking prescription medications as directed also involves significant risk. No medication is completely safe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of a drug means that the benefits outweigh the known risks for most people with controlled use. In addition to health risks, use of some prescription medications result in impairment levels equal to or greater than alcohol or illegal drugs. In many instances, the individual may not be able to judge the extent of their own impairment.

To reduce the risks related to using medicines and to get the maximum benefit, the individual must be an active participant in developing his or her treatment plan. The benefit and risk decision is often difficult to make and can only be made in concert with the prescribing health care professional and pharmacist. The following steps are recommended to evaluate the risks and benefits of a prescription medication.

1. Inform your health care professionals about your current symptoms, medical history including current treatments and therapies, other prescription, over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements taken, past drug allergies and sensitivities, and safety-sensitive job duties. It is only then, that he/she can develop a plan of care tailored to you.
2. Ask questions of your health care professional or pharmacist to help you make best-informed decisions regarding your health care and use of prescription medications.
3. Learn the facts about prescribed medications. Specifically ask about active ingredients, proper uses and contraindications, potential side effects, precautions, drug interactions and effects when combined with other medications, food and dietary supplements, if appropriate. Read warning labels and information materials provided by your pharmacy. Read the instructions, check expiration dates, and ask questions if you have any questions.
4. Balance the benefits and risks. After you are informed, weigh the benefits with the risks keeping in mind the need to balance the treatment of illnesses and the requirements of performing safety-sensitive functions. Do not avoid essential medical treatment. However, if there is a chance that the medication, illness or treatment will adversely impact your ability to perform your safety-sensitive functions, you should follow your employers’ procedures for disqualifying yourself from safety-sensitive duties for the duration of the treatment.
5. Follow the directions. When you use the medication, maximize the benefits and minimize the risks by following the instructions precisely. Read the label every time you fill your prescription. Be sure you have the right medicine at the right dosage and you understand its use. Read the label every time you use the medicine to be sure it is the right medication for the right person in the right amount, in the right way and the right time. Take the recommended dosage exactly as prescribed and finish all the medicine as directed.
6. Report Back. Pay attention to how you feel and notify your health care professional of any problems. Do not perform any safety-sensitive duty while you are not fit for duty.
 

Note: This list will be updated periodically.

Non-evidential Testing Devices
May 4, 2001
Federal Register Vol.66
Pages 22639 - 22640
Primary Topic: Initial Alcohol Screening Devices

Note: This list will be updated periodically.

FTA Drug & Alcohol Discussion Forum:
http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/
Safety/BBS

Drug and Alcohol Audit Questions
http://transit-safety.volpe.dot.gov/
Safety/DATesting/Audit

The information presented on this page should be used to update Chapter 5 of the revised Implementation Guidelines.