The issue of prescription and over the counter drugs can play havoc with the results collected for your screening program. To safeguard against this frequent problem, it is suggested that clients and organizations adequately educate their employees on the impact of prescription drugs and their ability to interfere with test results in terms of negatives and non-negatives and presumptive positive tests.
Put most simply, a “drug test is a technical analysis of a biological specimen…to determine the presence or absence of specified parent drugs or their metabolites.”[1]
In order to prevent against this problem you and your organization can:
- Request your employees to notify you of any over-the-counter medications or prescribed medications they may be taking
- Disseminate information as part of an agreed AOD program that clearly outlines the impact and effect of such medications as codeine, ibuprofen, cough syrups, cough and cold medications containing pseudoephedrine.
- Request employees consult with pharmacist or medical practitioner concerning over the counter or prescription medications they may be on
- Request an employee notify the appropriate OHS individual if they feel affected by prescription medications they are currently taking.
- Clearly communicate all of the above to your staff as part of a comprehensive OHS AOD policy.
According to NCETA (Australia’s National Research centre on AOD Workforce Development) there are a number of specific prescription and over the counter drugs that can affect work performance and also drug screening programs. They state that “employees have a legitimate concern with the work performance of all their employees, particularly where it involves health and safety. If an employee is taking medication this is not in itself a concern to the employer. However, it becomes relevant when the medication affects the person’s job performance or safe work practice.”[2]
The most commonly listed problematic over the counter and prescription drugs that you and your employees need to be aware of are:
- Tranquilisers and benzodiazepines (mogadon, valium, serepax)
- Antihistamines
- Codeine
- Cold and flu medications
To minimise any potential problems or complications, not only is it important for you to adequately notify employees of the need to let you know their screenings may be compromised by such medications, but it is also important you highlight they:
- Take prescribed and over the counter drugs in the correct doses and according to instructions
- Be aware of the effects when combined with other drugs such as alcohol or illicit
- Avoid driving or operating machinery while on these drugs.[3]
A random based drug screening program that is well-informed and also augmented by a considered approach to prescription and over the counter medications use by employees may well benefit your organisation. For more information please do not hesitate to contact Mediscreen for more information on a quality screening program designed to your requirements. Mediscreen 1300797040
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_test
