Changes to the WADA 2005 Prohibited List

December 22, 2004

As you may know, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) recently announced significant changes for the 2005 List of Prohibited Substances and Prohibited Methods of Doping.

Below you will find a summary of these significant changes as well as the link to the WADA website. USATF strongly recommends that you review the new rules and policies for 2005, as they go into effect January 1, 2005.

Remember that a substance does not have to be listed on the WADA list for it to be banned as WADA, USADA, USOC, IAAF, and USATF all recognize 'related substances' as banned as well.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT INFORMATION FOR 2005

S1. Anabolic Agents

1. Nine substances have been added to the list of examples.
2. For endogenous steroids, the T/E ratio, which prompts an investigation, has been changed from 6:1 to 4:1. (Please note that a doping case can be put forward if laboratory evidence supports the case even at T/E ratios less than 4:1.)

S2. Hormones and Related Substances

1. The following substances are prohibited in men and women: erythropoietin (EPO), human growth hormone (hGH), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), mechano growth factor (MGFs), gonadotrophins (LH, hCG), insulin and corticotrophins.

S3. Beta-2 agonists (Asthma medications)

1. All beta-2 agonists are now prohibited in- and out-of-competition. Please note that this means that athletes who use beta-2 agonists for asthma and are tested at either an event or out-of-competition test will be screened for these substances and therefore must have an approved ATUE on file with USADA and the IAAF.
2. Salbutamol (albuterol, levalbuterol), salmeterol, terbutaline, and formoterol are permitted by inhalation only and only with a completed Abbreviated Therapeutic Use Exemption (ATUE).
3. A salbutamol (albuterol) concentration greater than 1,000 ng/mL is a doping violation (in- or out-of-competition and with or without an Abbreviated TUE) unless the athlete can prove the concentration is due to therapeutic use by inhalation.

S4. Agents with Anti-Estrogenic Activity

1. Substances that were previously prohibited in men are NOW prohibited in both men and women. A partial list of examples is provided for each category. New examples added to this category include anastrozole, letrozole, aminogluthetimide, formestane, testolactone, raloxifene, toermifene, fulvestrant.

S5. Diuretics and other Masking Agents

1. Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) and other 5-alpha reductase inhibitors have been added as prohibited substances.
2. The contraceptive Yasmin is prohibited as a birth control methodology due to the presence of the diuretic drospirenone (which is a banned substance).
3. A TUE is not valid if an athlete's urine contains a diuretic in association with threshold or sub-threshold levels of a Prohibited Substance.

S6. Stimulants

1. Stimulant rules are unchanged and all are prohibited in-competition.

S7. Narcotics

1. Fentanyl and its derivatives have been added to the Prohibited List.
2. Eleven narcotics are specifically prohibited in-competition.
3. Local anesthetics are permitted unless specifically listed.

S8. Cannabinoids

1. Prohibited in-competition in all sports.

S9. Glucocorticosteroids

1. b. Rules apply only in-competition. Glucocorticosteroids are not tested for out-of-competition.
2. c. Systemic administration is prohibited (intramuscular, intravenous, oral, and rectal administration).
3. d. Local injection, intra-articular injection, inhalation, iontophoresis, eye drops, ear drops, and nasal sprays etc. require the submission of an acceptable Abbreviated TUE.
4. e. Dermal (topical on skin) applications are allowed and do not require an Abbreviated TUE.

S10. Miscellaneous Comments

1. Insulin is prohibited as a Peptide Hormone - athletes must file a standard TUE.
2. Vicks inhaler is still prohibited due to L-methamphetamine.
3. The substances included in the 2005 Monitoring List (bupropion, caffeine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pipradrol, pseudoephedrine, synephrine and the morphine/codeine ratio) are not considered prohibited substances.

Questions should be directed to the USADA Drug Reference Line at 1-800-233-0393 or online. For the 2005 Prohibited List of Substances and Methods visit the WADA website (PDF).