Employee Roles, Responsibilities, and Warnings

Regarding Prescriptions (Rx), Over the Counter Medications (OTC), Vitamins, Herbal Remedies, and Dietary Supplements

  • Be aware of medical condition and implications for job
  •  Be aware of possible Rx/OTC side effects which may compromise safety 
  • Read warning labels/side effects 
  • Rx labels and warnings 
    • Pharmacy information summaries 
    • OTC Labels 
    • OTC Package Inserts 
  • Discuss Rx or OTC with prescribing medical practitioner or pharmacist
    • Dosage
    • Frequency
    • Method of use (capsule, liquid, suppository) 
    • Possible side effects 
    • Interaction with other medications 
    • Impact on other medical conditions 
  • Inform medical practioner of:
    • Safety-sensitive job duties 
    • Other Rx, OTC, vitamins, herbal remedies, dietary supplements 
    • Medical History 
    • Previous experience with Rx/OTC’s 
    • Medical treatment and prescriptions given by other medical practitioners 
  • Questions for medical practitioner:
    • Inquire into alternative dosage schedules that minimize impact on work performance (i.e., dose at end of shift rather than before) 
    • Inquire into alternative treatment options that do not jeopardize safety 
  • When ill or injured, obtain proper medical treatment
  • Only use medications for their intended purpose
  • Check the strength of the medication
  • Keep your medical practitioner informed of your reaction to Rx/OTC 
  • Always take medication as directed 
  • Do not take larger doses than prescribed 
  • Do not take longer than prescribed 
  • Do not double dosage after missing a dose 
  • Do not self-medicate with OTC or someone else’s Rx in lieu of obtaining medical treatment 
  • Do not use an expired prescription 
  • Do not stop taking medication because you begin to feel better – take for length prescribed 
  • Do not take for granted that a prescription is correct
    • Always read the label every time you get it filled 
    • Make sure you have the right medication at the proper dosage
  • Never combine medications in the same bottle
  • Never store in humid locations (the bathroom, for example)
  • Make sure you understand the directions
  • Ask questions if you don’t understand or the prescription doesn’t seem right 
  • Use the same pharmacy
  • Always ask about interactions
  • Keep medication in original labeled bottle 
  • Individuals often cannot judge the level of their own impairment 
  • Side effects may change/intensify/lessen with prolonged use 
  • Some medications should be taken with food to minimize adverse reaction while others should be taken on an empty stomach 
  • Changing dosage schedule (without medical practitioner approval) can alter the effect 
  • Monitor your reaction to the Rx/OTC 
  • Do not perform safety sensitive functions if you are impaired