Question 1

I am sick. Can I take medicines my doctor prescribes?

Accepted Answer

Determine the status of your medication by checking the WADA Prohibited List at www.wada-ama.org or in apps like Global DRO at www.globaldro.com or by asking the doctors at MSAS or PHINADO
If it is not included in the WADA Prohibited List, you can take the medicine.
If it is included in the WADA Prohibited List, you need to apply for a TUE.

Question 2

I have asthma. What medicines I can take?

Accepted Answer

Common medications given for Bronchial Asthma containing Salbutamol, Salmeterol, Formoterol and Vilanterol when given by inhalation, are not prohibited as long as they do not exceed specified limits, and do not require a TUE
Other medications e.g. Procaterol and Terbutaline, whether given orally or by inhalation, are prohibited.

Question 3

I have an injury. Can I take pain relievers?

Accepted Answer

Pain relievers classified as NSAIDs like Mefenamic acid, Naproxen, Etoricoxib are allowed.
Treatment with any type of injection of steroids (e.g. Depo-Medrol) or parenteral administration of narcotic pain relievers (e.g. Nubain) for Musculoskeletal Injuries are not prohibited if given out-of-competition but would require a TUE if given in-competition.

Question 4

I have hypertension. Am I allowed to take medication for Hypertension?

Accepted Answer

If your medication contains a diuretic (e.g. Hydrochlorothiazide), it is not allowed. You have to ask your doctor for an alternative drug.
If your sports is Archery, Billiards, Golf, Shooting and other sports that require precision and accuracy, Beta-blockers like Metoprolol, Atenolol and Carvidolol are not allowed in-competition.

Question 5

What if there is an emergency and there is no time to apply for a TUE?

Accepted Answer

In cases of emergencies such as severe allergy or asthma attack or an accident requiring immediate blood transfusion, the doctor should proceed with the treatment as may deemed necessary and apply for a Retroactive TUE immediately after.

Question 6

Can I take Dietary Supplements?

Accepted Answer

Some dietary supplements can contain prohibited substances. Check the ingredients in the Supplement Facts on the label. If it has no prohibited substance and you trust the manufacturer, you use it at your own risk.
Even if a supplement does not contain ingredients that are included in the prohibited list, an athlete may still test positive because (1) it may be inadvertently cross-contaminated during the manufacturing process or (2) it may have been intentionally mislabeled.
Under the Olympic’s rule of strict liability, an athlete is responsible for whatever substance is found in his body.