2017 HCHB_digital

Drugs in Sport
Treating Athletes
Medical professionals need to exercise caution when treating athletes because
many medications are not permitted for use in sport.
Athletes at any level may be subject to drug testing. Testing may be conducted
at a competition or event or out-of-competition when an athlete is training, travelling
or at home. Athletes have a responsibility to inform every doctor or specialist
treating them that they are subject to drug testing in sport. Drug Free Sport NZ
(DFSNZ) provides up-to-date information regarding medications to athletes so
that they can alert medical professionals to their special needs.
The Prohibited List
Medications which are not permitted in sport are listed in the World Anti-Doping
Agency’s Prohibited List which is published on January 1st each year. It is important
to keep up-to-date with what’s included on this list. The list is available at www.
drugfreesport.org.nz
Checking Medications
Medical professionals should always check the status of a medication before
prescribing to an athlete. This can be done by:
••
checking the New Zealand Formulary database (www.nzformulary.org.nz)
for possible restrictions in sport
••
visiting www.drugfreesport.org.nz/medication-check
••
calling Drug Free Sport NZ on 0800 DRUGFREE (0800378437)
••
texting the medication name or active ingredient to 4365 (texts cost 20c).
Common Conditions
If an athlete has one or more of the following conditions it is likely that prohibited
substances will be part of the recommended treatment:
••
ADHD
••
asthma
••
cardiovascular disease
••
diabetes
••
severe acne and other severe skin conditions
••
severe hay fever or other allergic reactions.
Athletes who require anaesthesia, surgery or dental work are also likely to
require medication which is prohibited in sport.
supporting the diagnosis in the event an adverse analytical finding results from
testing. Please call Drug Free Sport NZ on 0800 DRUGFREE (0800 378 437) for
further information.
Supplements
Drug Free Sport NZ advises athletes that they take supplements at their own risk.
It warns athletes to be wary of supplements for the following reasons:
••
supplements are not manufactured to the same rigorous standards as
pharmaceuticals
••
some supplements may be cross-contaminated with prohibited substances
••
labelling laws are not the same in all countries meaning that some ingredients
may not be listed
••
manufacturing standards vary greatly around the world and some supplement
manufacturers use phrases such as “pharmaceutical standards” or “approved by
XXX sports league”. This does not mean they are safe for use in sports.
Drug Free Sport NZ cannot determine the status of any supplement in
sport, but can provide advice about the level of risk associated with particular
brands or ingredients. Athletes should contact Drug Free Sport NZ for advice
on supplements (0800 DRUGFREE) or use the organisation’s online supplement
enquiry form at www.drugfreesport.org.nz/supplement-check
Quick Reminders
••
Ensure you check the status of all medications before administering them to
athletes.
••
If the medication is prohibited, check to see if there is an alternative that is
permitted. If not, check that the athlete is aware a TUE may be required.
••
If you have any queries, call 0800 DRUGFREE (378 437) for assistance
••
Check Drug Free Sport NZ’s website for further information and advice on
treating athletes: www.drugfreesport.org.nz
Reviewed by Drug Free Sport NZ, March 2017.
Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs)
If international or national level athletes (as determined by DFSNZ) are prescribed
a prohibited substance they must obtain a TUE before using the medication. This
form must be submitted to Drug Free Sport NZ (or the athlete’s International Federation
if applicable). The athlete has to wait for TUE approval before using the
medication unless the situation is deemed an emergency whereby the athlete’s
health is at great risk. In these circumstances a TUE application should be submitted
as soon as possible once the situation is resolved. TUE forms are available at
www.drugfreesport.org.nz
Note: Athletes who are not competing at a national or international level
can apply for a TUE retrospectively; however, they will require a full medical file
Page 206 HEALTHCARE HANDBOOK 2017-2018 References Charts