Microsoft word - exp to athletes re wada changes pnz 130104.doc

The new Wada anti-doping code comes into effect on 1 January 2004. There are some very significant changes that you need to know about: The major change relates to topical or inhaled corticosteroids. These are banned from Jan 1st 2004, but exemption to use them may be gained via the “therapeutic use simplified a. Topical corticosteroids are widely used for treating many medical conditions. These include such skin conditions as rashes, eczema, and psoriasis and typical preparations include creams and ointments such as Betnovate, Dermovate, Locoid, Hydrocortisone etc. Please ensure that if you are using a skin cream that it does not contain a corticosteroid, and if you medically need to use such a cream please apply for “therapeutic use exemption”. Likewise creams used for haemorrhoids or piles are restricted and need notification (eg Proctosedyl). (As before, the rectal use of suppositories is banned.) b. Inhaled corticosteroids now need notification. These are typically used to treat asthma (eg Flixotide and Pulmicort, Respocort). Nasal corticosteroid sprays, which are used to treat hay fever, need notification (eg Beconase, Alanase, c. Even eye and ear drops containing corticosteroid (eg Sofradex) are now restricted d. Intra-articular (joint) injections of cortisone now need medical notification (see s9) (IV or intramuscular injections are banned). e. Please note that even the simple act of applying a cortisone cream to someone else (eg a child with an insect bite or eczema) could result in a positive doping Obviously this is a minefield of potential “inadvertent doping” so extreme care is needed when using creams, drops, nose sprays or inhalers to avoid an inadvertent positive doping result. Please note that the above lists only contain some examples – they are not exhaustive lists of all restricted corticosteroids. All oral, intravenous/intramuscular injections and suppositories require a full Therapeutic Use Exemption (see 9 below). Prednisone is the most common substance used in such Cannabis is now tested for in competition across all sports and a positive result represents a doping violation. The problem with cannabis is that its metabolites can be detected up to a few weeks after use. It is strongly advised that you refrain from using cannabis as if traces of this are found in testing this would represent a doping violation. a. Reliever asthma inhalers (eg Ventolin, Bricanyl, Serevent, Oxis, Respolin) still require notification using the Therapeutic use exemption simplified processes form. (This form is a new form to what has previously been used so it is advised that you re-notify the use of such inhalers.) b. As in point #1 above preventer medications (eg Flixotide and Pulmicort, Respocort) now also require notification as these contain corticosteroids. Local anaesthetics have now been removed from the list and do not require notification. a. Pseudoephedrine has been removed from the banned list from Jan 1. This is good news as it means that athletes can take some decongestant remedies to alleviate symptoms of the common cold. Please note that if you are going to take such a cold remedy you need to check that its active ingredient is pseudoephedrine (which is now allowed) and not any other form of stimulant. Caffeine has been removed from the banned list from Jan 1. Alcohol is prohibited in-competition in at least the following sports according to a certain threshold: aeronautics, archery, automobile, billiards, boules, football/soccer, gymnastics, karate, modern pentathlon, motorcycling, roller sports, skiing, triathlon and wrestling. The manner in which Insulin is dealt with in the prohibited list has changed. Athletes requiring Insulin to treat diabetes must now apply for a full Therapeutic Use Exemption (see 9 below). Therapeutic Use Exemptions, including “Abbreviated Application Process” or The New Zealand Sports Drug Agency will be applying the WADA Prohibited List and the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions. These two documents specify how prohibited substances which are medically needed can be dealt with. There are 2 categories: 1. In the cases of inhaled beta -2 agonists (eformoterol, salbutamol, salmeterol, and terbutaline) and non-systemic glucocorticosteroids (e.g. ointments, inhalers, sprays) an ”Abbreviated Application Process” referred to as “Medical Notification” must be completed. The form for this can be obtained from the Agency web site and must be completed by the treating doctor. Justification for the use of the substance must be provided. Once that Form is completed correctly and lodged with the Agency you are able to use the substance. 2. In all other cases, including systemic corticosteroids and insulin, a full Therapeutic Use Exemption application must be submitted. The procedure and necessary forms are also If you have any concerns or queries it is suggested that you contact the NZ Sports Drug Agency 0800 DRUG FREE or visit the web-site at www.nzsda.org.nz your local sports physician, or if you are a member of the Athens Paralympic Team, Dr Paul Wharam, Health Team Leader, (Wharam@xtra.co.nz ).

Source: http://paralympicsnz.org.nz/files/medical/exp_to_athletes__re_wada_changes_pnz_180104.pdf