UPRR Releases List of Restricted Prescription Drugs
Attached, please find a copy of a letter under date of October 21, 2015 to the undersigned with an attachment listing prescription drugs that are restricted by the UPRR. An employee in a safety sensitive job is not allowed to work while using a prescription drug of concern. The letter includes the following directive: “Employees must take the time to discuss their prescription drugs with their personal physician and begin to transition safely from any restricted drug to a safer alternative medication.” The drug categories of concern include: Opioids, Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates, Muscle Relaxants, Hypnotics, and Varenicline. The letter advises that the use of such prescription drugs is not required at this time, but that status may change in the future. The Carrier will make a webpage available to employees regarding this issue in November. The letter also serves notice of the Carrier’s intent to initiate medical monitoring of employees with serious health conditions. The issues lists in the letter include cardiovascular disorders, diabetes treated with insulin, severe sleep apnea and vision related conditions.