USADA announced today that Alia Armstrong, of Baton Rouge, La., an athlete in the sport of track and field, has accepted a public warning for not obtaining a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) before using an otherwise prohibited acne medication. Armstrong’s violation resulted from her use of spironolactone, a prescription acne medication that she used under the care of a physician for a diagnosed medical condition. Armstrong, 25, has since received a TUE to authorize future use of this medication in sport.
Because Armstrong’s positive sample from February 9, 2026 was collected out-of-competition, there are no competitive results to disqualify.
In an effort to aid athletes, as well as support team members such as parents, coaches, and medical professionals in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to file and update athlete Whereabouts, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements, as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs.
In addition, USADA manages a drug reference hotline, Global Drug Reference Online (GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as a supplement guide, a nutrition guide, a clean sport handbook, and periodic alerts and advisories.
USADA makes available a number of ways to report the abuse of performance-enhancing drugs in sport in an effort to protect clean athletes and promote clean competition. Any tip can be reported using the USADA Play Clean Tip Center, by text at 87232 (“USADA”), by email at playclean@USADA.org, by phone at 1-877-Play Clean (1-877-752-9253) or by mail.
USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement and is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.
For more information or media inquiries, email Media@USADA.org.
