Pouch and troche products are usually small packets or tablets that dissolve in the mouth to deliver active ingredients like nicotine, caffeine, and “functional” mushroom extracts without smoking or swallowing a pill. It’s important for athletes to realize that some of these products may contain substances that are prohibited in sport, so due diligence is required to understand what each product contains.
Read more to learn about these new delivery mechanisms for substances like caffeine, nicotine, mushroom extracts, and hormones.
What are pouches and troches?
Pouches are small, fiber-based packets placed between the lip and gum. The active ingredient dissolves and is absorbed through the inside lining of the mouth.
Troches are lozenge-like tablets that slowly dissolve in the cheek or under the tongue.
Pouches and troches can contain many different ingredients, but some of the popular ones contain caffeine, nicotine, and various mushroom ingredients, such as extracts of lion’s mane, reishi, chaga, cordyceps, maitake, and turkey tail.
Are pouches and troches prohibited?
Pouches and troches are only “delivery mechanisms” for a substance and are not prohibited in and of themselves. It only matters what ingredients the product contains. Many popular pouches or troches contain caffeine or nicotine, which are not prohibited substances. Always check products and labels against GlobalDRO.com to determine if a substance is prohibited and requires a TUE prior to use.
Athletes should be aware that some compounding pharmacies prepare bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) troches containing testosterone, and any form of testosterone use is prohibited at all times. There are also various troches and pouches that advertise to contain hemp and that substance may contain a significant amount of THC, which is prohibited in-competition.
Do I need a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)?
Pouches and troches in and of themselves (as delivery agents) are not prohibited, so athletes do not need a TUE for this method. However, the substances contained in these products could be prohibited. Always check GlobalDRO.com to determine if a substance is prohibited and requires a TUE prior to use.
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More questions?
For questions about specific products, substances, and methods, contact USADA’s Drug Reference Line at DrugReference@USADA.org or call (719) 785-2000, option 2.
