Restricted Prescription Medications
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To further promote safety through Fitness-for-Duty, Union Pacific is publishing a list of restricted prescription drugs for employees in safety related jobs. Work restrictions are currently applied to ensure these employees are not impaired by prescription drugs that pose safety risks for themselves or others.
Employees in the following groups are covered by this prescription drug restriction:
- Operating field employees
- Supply field employees
- Telecom employees
- Train Dispatchers
It is the responsibility of all employees to report for work fit for duty to safely perform their job. At this time, employees are not required to report the use of these restricted prescription drugs, but that may change in the future.
Drugs listed are restricted due to documented significant impairment that lasts for a prolonged period. Employees should discuss their prescription drugs with their physician and begin to transition safely from any restricted prescription drug to a safer alternative medication. Employees should also be aware that UP may update this list in the future.
Opioids & Synthetic Opioid Drugs
Opioid and synthetic opioid drugs are typically used to treat moderate to severe pain. All drugs in this class are restricted except where noted.
Long-Acting Opioids
| Generic Name | Brand Examples |
|---|---|
| Buprenorphine | Buprenex, Butrans, Suboxone, Subutex |
| Butorphanol | Stadol |
| Fentanyl | Abstral, Actiq, Fentora, Duragesic, Lazanda, Onsolis, Sublimaze |
| Hydrocodone (extended release) | Hysingla ER, Roxicodone, OxyIR, Zohydro ER |
| Hydromorphone | Dilaudid, Palladone |
| Meperidine | Demerol |
| Methadone | Dolophine, Methadose |
| Morphine | Astramorph, Avinza, Duramorph Infumorph, Kadian, MS Contin, MSIR, Oramorph, Roxanol |
| Nalbuphine | Nubain |
| Oxycodone (extended release) | OxyContin, Dazidox, Oxecta, Oxyfast, OxyIR, Percolone, Roxicodone, Roxicodone Intensol, Targiniq |
| Oxymorphone | Opana |
| Pentazocine | Talwin NX |
| Tapentadol | Nucynta |
| Tramadol | ConZip, Rybix, Ryzolt, Ultram |
Exceptions: Short-acting opioids (cannot work until after 12 hours of last dose)
| Generic Name | Brand Examples |
|---|---|
| Codeine | Tylenol with codeine no. 3, Empirin no. 4 |
| Dihydrocodeine | Panlor DC, Synalgos DC, Zerlor |
| Hydrocodone | Vicodin, Hysingla, Zohydro |
| Oxycodone | Combunox, Endocet, Endodan, Endocodone, Percocet, Percodan, Roxicet, Roxiprin, Tylox |
Benzodiazepine Drugs
Benzodiazepines are typically used as sedatives, to treat anxiety, as muscle relaxants, and for other purposes. All drugs in this class are restricted.
| Generic Names | Brand Examples |
|---|---|
| Alprazolam | Xanax |
| Clonazepam | Klonopin |
| Clorazepate | Tranxene |
| Diazepam | Valium |
| Lorazepam | Ativan |
| Midazolam | Versed |
| Oxazepam | Serax |
| Temazepam | Restoril |
| Triazolam | Halcion |
Barbiturate Drugs
Barbiturates are typically used as sedatives, in combination with other drugs for headaches and for a variety of other uses. All drugs in this class are restricted.
| Generic Names | Brand Examples |
|---|---|
| Amobarbital | Generic versions |
| Butabarbital | Generic versions |
| Butalbital | Esgic, Fioricet, Fiorinal, Phrenilin |
| Pentobarbital | Nembutal |
| Phenobarbital | Generic versions |
| Secobarbital | Seconal |
Muscle Relaxant Drugs
Muscle relaxant drugs are typically used to treat muscle spasms, often for persons who have back or neck pain symptoms. The muscle relaxant drug of concern is Carisoprodol (brand name Soma). This drug is restricted.
Hypnotic drugs
Hypnotic drugs are typically used as sleep aids. The hypnotic drugs of concern are Eszopiclone (brand name Lunesta) and Zolpidem Tartrate extended release (brand name Ambien CR). These two drugs are restricted.
Varenicline
Varenicline (brand name Chantix) is typically used to treat nicotine addiction, as an aid in smoking cessation. This drug is restricted.
Common Questions
How does this align with the company's emphasis on safety?
Safety is a core value at UP and a responsibility for all employees. The purpose of the restricted prescription drug list is to ensure covered workers are not impaired by medications at work, which may pose significant safety risks for the worker and others.
What should employees discuss with their doctors?
Employees should discuss the following with their doctor:
- Whether you are currently taking a drug on UP's list of restricted prescription drugs
- Your safety related job duties
- A plan to discontinue restricted drugs (if applicable)
- Safer alternative drugs
What should employees do if they have questions after talking with their doctor?
Individuals having questions after consulting with their physician can search Human Resources Knowledge Management for 24/7 access to self-service information, resources, answers to common questions, or to create a ticket for Human Resources.
Are there less impairing alternative drugs that UP does not restrict for covered employees?
Yes, for each restricted drug there are safer alternative drugs. Employees should discuss other alternatives with their doctors.