Performance Enhancing Drugs and Banned Substances
In the light of the positive tests for PEDs (Performance Enhancing Drugs) by Tyson Gay, Asafa Powell and others, a few of you have asked how do I know if I am taking something on the banned list ?
I thought I would supply a little information that may help.
Most of you will not be tested, but more of you could be at a national championships, as an international etc.
Probably the biggest dangers are any medication you might take or any supplements.
Medication is probably the easiest to deal with and the key point is to check. This can be done by using www.globaldro.com where all banned products are shown. For example, if you enter Sudafed into the database it will show that some types are banned. Some Nurofen Cold and Flu medicine also includes prohibited substances.
There was a case with a British skier called Alan Baxter who 'won' an Olympic medal and then failed a test. It was traced back to a simple nasal spray that he used. If purchased in the UK the contents were fine, but on this occasion he had purchased the brand abroad and it included a banned substance.
If supplements are to be taken these should also be checked out thoroughly. www.informed-sport.com can help. However, it's not so easy to be 100% sure so be very very careful.
I also attach below a 9 page document by the World Anti Doping body WADA, which is their prohibited list.
All of this can appear complex but my advice is just to be very aware of taking anything out of the ordinary and, if you do, check it out. What appears to be a straightforward medicine could cause issues.
Although I would like to think that none of you partake in recreational drug taking, the chances are that you might come into contact with them at some stage. Athletes have been banned in the past simply from inhaling a recreational drug at a party or gathering, smoked by someone else ! Again be careful, as your circumstances are different to those of the normal public.
You also may be surprised to know that some recreational drugs can be detected many days later as having been in the system.
The only intention of this note is to raise a bit of awareness and try to help the question "How do I know if I have taken anything that is banned ?".
Mark
I thought I would supply a little information that may help.
Most of you will not be tested, but more of you could be at a national championships, as an international etc.
Probably the biggest dangers are any medication you might take or any supplements.
Medication is probably the easiest to deal with and the key point is to check. This can be done by using www.globaldro.com where all banned products are shown. For example, if you enter Sudafed into the database it will show that some types are banned. Some Nurofen Cold and Flu medicine also includes prohibited substances.
There was a case with a British skier called Alan Baxter who 'won' an Olympic medal and then failed a test. It was traced back to a simple nasal spray that he used. If purchased in the UK the contents were fine, but on this occasion he had purchased the brand abroad and it included a banned substance.
If supplements are to be taken these should also be checked out thoroughly. www.informed-sport.com can help. However, it's not so easy to be 100% sure so be very very careful.
I also attach below a 9 page document by the World Anti Doping body WADA, which is their prohibited list.
All of this can appear complex but my advice is just to be very aware of taking anything out of the ordinary and, if you do, check it out. What appears to be a straightforward medicine could cause issues.
Although I would like to think that none of you partake in recreational drug taking, the chances are that you might come into contact with them at some stage. Athletes have been banned in the past simply from inhaling a recreational drug at a party or gathering, smoked by someone else ! Again be careful, as your circumstances are different to those of the normal public.
You also may be surprised to know that some recreational drugs can be detected many days later as having been in the system.
The only intention of this note is to raise a bit of awareness and try to help the question "How do I know if I have taken anything that is banned ?".
Mark
| wada-prohibited-list-2013-en.pdf |
Hayfever
Some hayfever medications can be risky to take apparently, if competing, so it is worth checking them out thoroughly.
There is also a useful contact at British Athletics called David Herbert, the Anti Doping Manager.
See below.
There is also a useful contact at British Athletics called David Herbert, the Anti Doping Manager.
See below.
| uk_anti-doping_advice_card_2012.pdf |