I work for a small company driving a boxtruck, and the DOT does random drug tests. I fractured my hand while i was off work and went to the ER. They Xrayed it and gave me Norco. Norco is a narcotic and I don’t take it while I’m at work but if I get piss tested I’m sure it will come up. I have all my prescription paperwork, is this okay to take while employed?
Under the influence is under the influence whether you have an Rx or not.
OP said he wouldn’t take it while at work; his concern is whether a drug test that reveals he used it during off-hours will be a problem.
I would suggest the OP speak with his employer ASAP, explain his situation, and ask what their policy is. Don’t get piss-tested and then go “oh yeah, about that…see, I’ve got this prescription…” This is one of those situations where it’s likely better to ask permission than to ask forgiveness.
It’s still detectable well after taking. Looks like 2-3 days after a quick Googling.
Good idea I have paperwork and everything even xrays to show, I took some at night last night but I Definentally don’t do any at work, my hand swells up and is fractured in 2 places
You need to inquire just how much “under the influence” is too much under the influence to be considered safe for driving, and how long after each dose you should wait to be considered safe for driving (which probably also depends on the dose you are taking and how often).
That’s a separate question from how long after a dose your drug test could still come up positive. Some drugs (marijuana, for a famous and rather extreme example) can stay in your system and give positive tests for days or weeks after your last toke, long after it has any possible influence on your driving.
Thus, this:
isn’t really a helpful or constructive response.
I drive for a Transit Company and for the State Park service.
I blew out my right knee while doing PT for my left total knee replacement in May.
I got a prescription for 5-325 oxycodone and only take one before bed time when I am hurting. I got spot tested 2 weeks ago and the test agent told me that if anything shows up in the test I will get a call from the Doc in charge of the testing and I will be able to verify my prescription and as long as its covered by prescription I will be given a pass, well that’s what I was told.
I have heard nothing and that is a good thing and I am still working 
As far as the DOT is concerned, if you have the prescribing doctor write a letter that you can safely do your job while taking your prescribed medication, then you’re okay to take it. http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/faq/what-medications-disqualify-cmv-driver
The small company you work for may have its own policies, of course.
If you’re pulled for a DOT urinalysis for any reason the test must be reviewed by a medical review officer (MRO). A MRO is a physician who has received specialist training in drug testing procedures and substance abuse. A negative will sail on through but any positive or potentially adulterated test has to be investigated and you will be contacted to give your side of the story. You and/or your prescribing physician will be able to provide the prescription to the MRO to justify presence of the drug in your system before the MRO provides an official result to the DOT or your employer.
For a non-DOT drug test you will be able to write in any prescription or OTC drugs you are taking when you provide the sample and the testing facility or laboratory might request a copy of the prescription BUT it’s not so regulated and official as a DOT test, and company policies and state laws may vary compared to the black and white procedure of a DOT test.
When I have been on pain medication in the past I have always explained that I drive for a living, asked for a note, asked for “less recreational” drugs if medically appropriate, and I’ll always take a prescription but I’ll only fill it if OTC NSAIDS are falling way short.
Thanks just the answer I was looking for
Since this involves both legal and medical advice, let’s move it to IMHO.
Colibri
General Questions Moderator