Athletes who have a prescription for a compounded medication or a compounded supplement should be aware that compounding pharmacies are risky. Compounded products are more likely to be contaminated because they are mixed by hand and there is limited regulatory oversight.
By supporting legislation and initiatives to protect athletes and consumers, USADA has demonstrated its commitment to educate athletes & consumers about supplement risks.
Pain medications are something that most people, and many athletes, need to use at some point. This list includes examples of prohibited & permitted pain medications.
Download the updated Athlete Express App to file and submit your whereabouts and updates on the go!
Athletes should be wary of IV infusions received through home visits, urgent care offices, after-hours clinics, doctor’s office visits, and boutique IV and rehydration services, as they are not considered hospital treatments under the WADA rules.
When it comes to supplements, there is a spectrum of risk for a positive anti-doping test or adverse health event. There are numerous red flags to look out for as an athlete or consumer considering the use of supplements.
While athletes should consult health professionals about the use of supplements, it’s equally important for athletes and their support personnel to understand that supplements and medications are very different in terms of regulation and safety.
Athletes should always tell their treating physician that they are subject to anti-doping rules since compliance is ultimately the athlete’s responsibility. Due to these strict liability principles, athletes risk an anti-doping rule violation and sanction, including a possible period of ineligibility, even if they received poor guidance from their primary care providers.
A win-at-all costs attitude can be revealed through various behaviors and by various members of the sports community, from athletes, to coaches, to parents.
