THE PROHIBITED LIST

The Prohibited List

The Prohibited List (List) identifies substances and methods prohibited in-competition, at all times (i.e. in- and out-of-competition) and in particular sports. Substances and methods are classified by categories (e.g. steroids, stimulants, masking agents). The List is updated at least annually following an extensive consultation process facilitated by WADA.

It is each athlete’s responsibility to ensure that no prohibited substance enters his/her body and that no prohibited method is used.

The List only contains the generic names of the pharmaceutical substances. The List does not contain brand names of the medications, which vary from country to country.

Before taking any medication, an athlete should check with the prescribing physician that it does not contain a prohibited
substance:

1. Check that the generic name or International Non-proprietary Name (INN) of any active ingredient is not prohibited (‘in-competition only’ or at ‘all times’).
2. Check that the medication does not contain any pharmaceutical substances that would fall within a general category that is prohibited. Many sections of the Prohibited List only contain a few examples and state that other substances with a similar chemical structure or similar biological effect(s) are also prohibited.
3. Be aware that intravenous infusions and/or injections of more than 50mL per 6-hour period are prohibited, regardless of the status of the  substances.
4. Be aware that since 1 January 2022, all injectable routes of administration will now be prohibited for glucocorticoids during the in-competition period.
   Note: Oral administration of glucocorticoids remains prohibited in-competition. Other routes of administration are not prohibited when used within the manufacturer’s licensed doses and therapeutic indications.
5. Be aware that as of 1 January 2024, the narcotic tramadol will be prohibited in-competition.
6. If you have any doubt, contact [email protected].

Under the World Anti-Doping Code, athletes may be permitted to use a prohibited substance for legitimate medical reasons only if they hold a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). An athlete does not necessarily need an existing TUE from their National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) to apply — they may submit a TUE request directly to their International Federation or the appropriate anti-doping authority. However, having had a NADO-issued TUE can aid and streamline the recognition process by the IF. All TUEs must meet the criteria and be accepted under the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE).

Useful Online Databases

The following National Anti-Doping Organizations make online country-specific drug reference databases available for checking the status of a medication bought in that country:

• GlobalDRO (for Australia, Canada, UK, USA, Switzerland, Japan and New Zealand)
• A list of other country-specific databased can be found here.

Note: WADA and IPSC do not take responsibility for the information provided on these websites.