Banned substances and methods


Banned substances and methods
Most national sporting organisations adopt the Olympic Movement Anti-Doping Code - Appendix A, Prohibited Classes of Substances and Prohibited Methods - 1st April 2000 as the basis for their doping policy. The Olympic Movement Anti-Doping code is reviewed annually so it is important for all athletes to check for changes that may occur.

The classes of prohibited substances and methods in doping on the Olympic Movement Anti-Doping Code - Appendix A, Prohibited Classes of Substances and Prohibited Methods - 1st April 2000 include:

Anabolic agents
There are two classes of anabolic agents:

Anabolic androgenic steroids
Anabolic androgenic steroids are substances that have both anabolic and androgenic properties. The anabolic effects can result in an acceleration of growth of muscle and bone. The androgenic effects are represented in the development of the male reproductive system and the secondary male sexual characteristics such as hairiness and deep voice.

Athletes mainly use anabolic steroids in an attempt to increase muscle size and strength. This growth appears to result from the significant effect anabolic androgenic steroids have on lessening the recovery time required after exercise. Athletes using anabolic androgenic steroids may be able to train at a greater intensity and for longer periods and therefore reap the benefits of the extra training.

Steroids come in tablet and injectable forms. Examples of steroids are androstenedione, boldenone, decadurabolin (nandrolone), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), stanozolol and testosterone.

Side effects
Side effects may include jaundice and liver damage, acne, heart problems, euphoria, improved self-esteem, mood swings, depression, paranoia and aggression.

Effects specific to males may include the development of breast tissue, infertility and baldness.

Effects specific to females may include an increase in facial and body hair, menstrual problems, permanent deepening of the voice, fœtal damage and clitoral enlargement.

Detection
Anabolic agents can be detected in the urine using gas chromatography- mass spectrometry techniques and high resolution mass spectrometry.

Status in sport
Anabolic androgenic steroids are banned under the Olympic Movement Anti-Doping Code Prohibited Classes of Substances and Prohibited Methods.

Beta-2 agonists
Beta-2 agonists are commonly used to treat asthma. When taken into the bloodstream, beta-2 agonists may increase lean mass (muscle) and reduce body fat.

Side Effects
Possible side-effects of beta-2 agonists include palpitations, headaches, nausea, muscle cramps and dizziness.

Detection
Beta-2 agonists can be detected through urine testing by gas chromotography- mass spectrometry techniques.

Status in sport
Most beta-2 agonists are banned as anabolic agents under the Olympic Movement Anti-Doping Code Prohibited Classes of Substances and Prohibited Methods.

There are three exceptions to this rule - salbutamol (eg Ventolin), salmeterol (eg Serevent) and terbutaline (eg Bricanyl) are permitted in inhaler form provided that written notification from a recognised medical practitioner is submitted to the relevant authority. Athletes should contact their sporting organisation to check their sport’s specific requirements in relation to notification.

Diuretics
Diuretics increase the amount of urine produced by the body. Some athletes use diuretics to assist them to fall within the required weight categories in sports such as horse racing, judo, weightlifting and rowing. They are also used by some athletes to dilute their urine in an attempt to avoid detection of anabolic agents.

Side Effects
Athletes using diuretics run the risk of dehydrating. Dehydration can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, loss of coordination and balance, cramps and kidney and heart failure.

Detection
Diuretics can be detected in the urine through gas chromatography- mass spectrometry techniques.

Status in sport
Diuretics are banned under the Olympic Movement Anti-Doping Code Prohibited Classes of Substances and Prohibited Methods.

 

Narcotics
Narcotics are substances which mask the effects of pain. Narcotics may also produce sensations of euphoria, invincibility and illusions of athletic prowess beyond the athlete's ability. Some examples of these substances are heroin, morphine and pethidine.

Side effects
Athletes may use narcotics to stop the pain resulting from an injury. This can be dangerous as these substances merely hide the pain. An athlete who continues to exercise on the injured part risks further damage to that part.

Narcotics also have other effects on athletes such as loss of balance and coordination, decreased ability to concentrate, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression and constipation. Prolonged use may also produce physical dependence, leading to addiction.

Detection
Narcotics can be detected through urine testing using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques.

Status in sport
Narcotics are banned under the Olympic Movement Anti-Doping Code Prohibited Classes of Substances and Prohibited Methods.

Peptide hormones, mimetics and analogues
Prohibited substances in this class include the following examples and their analogues and mimetics:

  1. Chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) prohibited in males only;
  2. Pituitary and synthetic gonadotrophins (LH), prohibited in males only;
  3. Corticotrophins (ACTH, tetracosactide);
  4. Growth hormone (hGH);
  5. Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1) and all the respective releasing factors and their analogues;
  6. Erythropoietin (EPO);
  7. Insulin.

Note: Mimetics are substances that imitate the action of other related drugs. Analogues are substances that are structurally similar to other substances.

Chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)
HCG is a hormone that is normally produced in the placenta during pregnancy and can promote an increase in the production of natural male and female steroids. In males, it stimulates the testes to rapidly produce testosterone. Its main use is by anabolic steroid users in an attempt to overcome the effects of testicular damage or as a masking agent.

Side effects
Since hCG is used to stimulate testosterone production, side effects can be the same as anabolic steroids, although gynaecomastia may be more common.

Detection
HCG can be detected in the urine using an immunoessay test.

Special note
Chorionic gonadotrophin is prohibited in males only.

Pituitary and synthetic gonadotrophins
The pituitary hormones are secreted from the pituitary gland and include hormones such as Leutinising Hormone(LH) which stimulates the testis and ovary. In females, LH stimulates ovulation; in males, it is similar to hCG and can stimulate the production of testosterone.

Synthetic gonadotrophins (eg. tamoxifen, cyclofenil and clomiphene) have the ability to regulate gonadotrophins production or use.

Side effects
There are no general side effects of Pituitary and synthetic gonadtrophins- side effects are individualised to the particular hormone.

Detection
Pituitary and synthetic gonadtrophins can be detected in the urine using an immunoessay test.

Special note
Pituitary and synthetic gonadotrophins are prohibited for males only.

Corticotrophin (ACTH)
Corticotrophin is a pituitary hormone which increases levels of endogenous corticosteroids (cortisone) in the blood. Corticotrophin is used for its anti-inflammatory effect, but also to obtain the mood elevating effects of corticosteroids.

Side effects
Short-term use of ACTH may cause stomach irritation and ulcers and psychological effects such as irritability. Long-term side effects may include softening of connective tissue and weakening of an injured area in muscles, bones, tendons or ligaments, osteoporosis, and cataracts.

Detection
ACTH is detected using an immunoessay test.

Growth hormone (hGH)
Growth hormone is a pituitary hormone which is necessary for normal growth of children and assists the body in building muscle and bone. Athletes may use growth hormone in an attempt to increase muscle size and strength.

Side effects
Side effects can include overgrowth of hands, feet and face; soft tissue swelling, heart disease, increased sweating, increased oil gland production in the skin.

Detection
Detection methods are currently being developed to detect the use of hGH.

Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1)
IGF-1 stimulates protein synthesis and reduces muscle cell breakdown leading to an increase in muscle bulk and reduced body fat. These growth effects are sought by athletes. Naturally occurring IGF-1 comes from mother's milk.

Side effects
IGF-1 may cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), acromegaly (gross overgrowth of the hands, feet and face), headaches and joint pains, musculoskeletal changes ie enlargement of the jaw, and enlargement of internal organs such as the heart. Muscles may at first become stronger, but ultimately are weaker due to degenerative changes in the joints.

Detection
Methods are currently being developed to detect IGF-1 in athletes.

Erythropoietin (rhEPO)
Erythropoietin stimulates the production of red blood cells. This increases the amount of oxygen the blood can carry to the muscles. Some endurance athletes use EPO to improve performance.

Side effects
EPO use can thicken the blood causing blood clots. Blood clots increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Endurance athletes are particularly vulnerable, as their blood is normally thicker due to dehydration.

Some international sporting organisations have introduced random blood testing to determine if the percentage of red blood cells is too high. This test does not detect EPO, but rather is a health check. Athletes with elevated red blood cell levels may be prevented from participating in an event on safety grounds.

Detection
Detection methods are currently being developed to detect the use of EPO.

Insulin
Insulin, normally used in the treatment of diabetes, is a hormone secreted into the blood stream to promote the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

Some body builders and other athletes use insulin, in conjunction with anabolic steroids, clenbuterol and/or growth hormone, in an attempt to increase muscle growth and improve muscle definition. However, desired results are debatable, chances of harmful side effects are great and deaths are alleged.

Side effects
Use of insulin can cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) which may cause shaking, nausea, weakness, shortness of breath, drowsiness, coma, brain damage and death.

Detection
Insulin cannot be detected in the urine by current sports drug testing. Its use could be inferred if low levels of the C-peptide, formed by cleavage of proinsulin to insulin, were to be found, although changes are only transient.

Status in sport
Peptide hormones, mimetics and analogues are banned under the Olympic Movement Anti-Doping Code Prohibited Classes of Substances and Prohibited Methods. The exceptions to this are as follows:

Stimulants
Stimulants are substances which act directly on an athlete’s central nervous system to speed up parts of their brain and body. Adrenaline is an example of a naturally occurring stimulant in the body. Athletes use stimulants in an attempt to increase alertness, reduce tiredness, and increase their competitiveness and aggressiveness.

Examples of stimulants are caffeine, amphetamines, cocaine, ephedrine, and mesocarb.

Detection
Stimulants can be detected through urine testing by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques and in some cases by high resolution mass spectrometry equipment.

Side effects
Stimulants can cause problems with heat regulation, faster breathing, problems with coordination and balance, aggressive behaviour, dehydration, weight loss and hand tremors. Other side effects may include increased heart rate, palpitations and irregularities, tremors, insomnia, increased blood pressure and sweating.

Dependence and addiction are risks associated with abuse of stimulants.

Status in sport
Stimulants are banned under the Olympic Movement Anti-Doping Code Prohibited Classes of Substances and Prohibited Methods.

Blood doping
Blood doping occurs when athletes put extra blood into their body. The blood could be their own or someone else's. The extra blood in the body contains a higher number of red blood cells. As a result of these extra red blood cells, there will be an increase in the amount of oxygen that can be delivered to and used by the working muscles. This effect is similar to that achieved by training at high altitudes.

Side effects
Any practice that involves putting blood into the body or taking blood out can be a serious risk to health. An athlete using his own blood runs the risk of bacterial infections, fatal reactions due to blood mislabelling and other complications including blood clots, stroke, congestive heart failure, hypertension, and shock.

An athlete who uses another person's blood also risks immune problems, fever and viral infections. The sharing of needles or blood can also lead to diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.

Status in sport
Blood doping is banned under the Olympic Movement Anti-Doping Code Prohibited Classes of Substances and Prohibited Methods.

Administering artificial oxygen carriers or plasma expanders

Plasma Expanders (PEx)
Plasma expanders are used to increase (expand) the volume of plasma in the blood. Examples include Haemaccel, Albumex, Gelofusine. They are mainly used in medicine to replace fluid in cases of severe shock, as may occur with blood or fluid loss in surgery.

Some athletes may use PEx in an attempt to mask the effects of EPO.

Side effects
Side effects include allergic reactions and anaphylactic shock (a severe form of generalised allergic reaction that can result in death).

Detection
PEx can be detected in the urine using gas chromotography - mass spectrometry techniques.

Artificial oxygen carriers
Artificial oxygen carriers are chemicals used to increase the ability to carry extra oxygen in the blood. Examples include perflurocarbons (PFCs), haemoglobin based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) and liposome (fatty membrane) encapsulated haemoglobins (LEHs).

Artificial oxygen carriers are of potential when human blood is not available, the risk of blood infection is high or when time to properly undertake cross-matching donated blood with a recipient, is short. Such products are still in development and although improvements are being made, more research and development is needed before these products will be useful to humans in clinical medicine.

There have been some reports of athletes using these products in an attempt to increase the oxygen carrying capacity of their blood, however concrete evidence to support these claims is unavailable and these drugs are still not in general use. .

Side effects
Side effects significantly vary between the PFCs and the HBOCs. They can be most serious as it is difficult to measure correct doses.

Side effects of PFCs include:

Side effects of HBOCs include:

Detection
PFCs can be detected using a breath test or in the blood using gas chromotography - mass spectrometry techniques.

It is presumed that artificial oxygen carriers would be detectable in blood samples. There is, however a lack of data on use by athletes and as such this area requires further study.

Status in sport
Artificial oxygen carriers and plasma expanders are banned under the Olympic Anti-doping Code ‘Prohibited Classes of Substances and Prohibited Methods’.

Pharmacological, chemical and physical manipulation
Pharmacological, chemical and physical manipulation is the use of substances or methods that attempt to alter or substitute the urine sample.

Examples of these prohibited methods are:

Status in sport
Pharmacological, chemical and physical manipulation is banned under the Olympic Movement Anti-Doping Code Prohibited Classes of Substances and Prohibited Methods.

Restricted substances
Restricted substances are:

The classes of drugs listed below are subject to certain restrictions:

Alcohol
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant which slows down the actions of the brain and body. Combining alcohol with other drugs can magnify the effects of alcohol or of the other drugs which can be dangerous in many circumstances.

Side effects
Side effects of alcohol include impairment of judgment, reflexes and muscular coordination; slurred speech; double vision; memory and comprehension loss, vomiting; incontinence; sleepiness and poor respiration.

Detection
Alcohol can be detected through urine testing by gas chromatography- mass spectrometry techniques.

Status in sport
Alcohol is a restricted substance under the Olympic Movement Anti-Doping Code Prohibited Classes of Substances and Prohibited Methods.

It is banned in some sports because it is considered detrimental to athletic performance and could cause safety problems.

Beta blockers
Beta blockers are substances which reduce blood pressure and heart problems by decreasing the output of blood from the heart.

These drugs are used to try to stop the hands and bodies from shaking while competing in sports such as shooting and archery that require accuracy and a steady hand.

Side effects
If an athlete who does not have a heart problem uses beta blockers, effects such as lowered blood pressure or a slow heart rate may be experienced. Beta blockers might also make an athlete tired and decrease performance capacity in endurance events, as they reduce the amount of energy an athlete has and the length of time he is able to compete. Beta blockers may also constrict the blood vessels in the limbs and provoke spasm of the airways.

Detection
Beta blockers can be detected through urine testing by gas chromatography- mass spectrometry techniques.

Status in sport
Beta blockers are restricted substances under the Olympic Movement Anti-Doping Code Prohibited Classes of Substances and Prohibited Methods.

Some sports such as archery and shooting conduct testing for beta blockers.

Glucocorticosteroids (Cortisone)
Glucocorticosteroids are substances which are able to reduce inflammation and so are used to treat conditions such as arthritis, asthma and hay fever.

Side effects
When administered through the bloodstream, glucocorticosteroids have many effects on many different body systems and produce mood changes including euphoria. Other possible side effects include osteoporosis (thinning of the bones), softening of connective tissue and weakening of an injured area in muscles, bones, tendons or ligaments.

Detection
Glucocorticosteroids can be detected through urine testing by gas chromatography- mass spectrometry techniques.

Status in sport
Glucocorticosteroids are restricted substances under the Olympic Movement Anti-Doping Code Prohibited Classes of Substances and Prohibited Methods.

The use of glucocorticosteroids is prohibited when administered:

Permitted routes of administration are anal (ie. on the anus), aural (ear), dermatological (skin), inhalation, nasal, opthamological (eye) and local injection into the joint or soft tissue.

Local anaesthetics
Local anaesthetics are substances which mask the effects of pain. Athletes use local anaesthetics to try to mask pain so they can continue to participate in competition or training. These substances come in a number of forms including creams, ointments, eye drops and injections.

Side effects
In most cases, athletes who use local anaesthetics run the risk of further aggravating their injury.

Detection
Local anaesthetics can be detected through urine testing by gas chromatography- mass spectrometry techniques.

Status in sport
Local anaesthetics are restricted substances under the Olympic Movement Anti-Doping Code Prohibited Classes of Substances and Prohibited Methods.

In general locally applied anaesthetics are permitted, however injectable local anaesthetics are only permitted under the following conditions:

Some sporting organisations may require notification notification of the use of local anaesthetics.

Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are the psychoactive chemicals in the cannabis plant. The most active cannabinoid in cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is found in greatest concentrations in the flowering tops and leaves of the hemp plants.

Marijuana and hashish come from the cannabis plant. Marijuana is made from the dried flowers and leaves of the plant. Hashish is small blocks of dried cannabis resin and is more potent than marijuana. Hashish oil is a thick, oily liquid that can be extracted from hashish. It is more powerful than the other forms of cannabis.

Side effects
Immediate side effects of cannabinoids may include impairment of balance and coordination, loss of concentration, increase in heart rate, dry mouth, increased appetite, drowsiness and hallucinations and reduced ability to perform complex tasks such as driving. Longer-term use of marijuana may result in loss of motivation and decreased concentration, impaired memory and learning abilities and respiratory diseases such as lung and throat cancer and chronic bronchitis.

Detection
Cannabis can be detected through urine testing by gas chromatography- mass spectrometry techniques.

Status in sport
Cannabinoids are restricted substances under the Olympic Movement Anti-Doping Code Prohibited Classes of Substances and Prohibited Methods.

Cannabinoids are banned at the Olympic Games. A number of sporting organisations also ban cannabinoids. Athletes should check the rules of their sporting organisation in relation to marijuana and other cannabinoids.

Supplements, herbal preparations and vitamins
Supplements and herbal products are increasingly popular methods for treating illness and other health conditions. There are now a vast number of these products available, with multiple ingredients and chemical properties.

In some cases, ASDA may have little or no information on ingredients contained in supplements and herbal products. ASDA is unable to provide information on the status of these products.

While most supplements and herbal products do not contain banned ingredients, you should always be aware of the risk involved. You should contact the manufacturer for information on the status of these substances.

Most sporting organisations adopt the Olympic Movement Anti-Doping Code - Appendix A, Prohibited Classes of Substances and Prohibited Methods - 1st April 2000, however, some sports have made variations to that list. It is the responsibility of every athlete to ensure they are aware of the substances banned by their sport both in and out of competition.

For further information on the drugs banned in specified sports, please contact the relevant sporting organisation.

© Copyright ASDA 2000

This is an archive copy of a document originally located at http://www.asda.org.au/drugs4.html all copyright remains with the creator.

 


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