Medicines &
Supplements
in Sport.
Check before
you take it.
Medicines and supplements can affect your health and your sporting eligibility. Know what you are taking, understand the anti-doping rules and get qualified advice when you need it.
Check the details.
Every time.
Both prescription and over-the-counter medicines need an anti-doping check. Global DRO provides information based on the current WADA Prohibited List.
Active ingredients.
Check every active ingredient. A familiar brand name alone does not confirm a medicine’s status.
Dose and route.
Read any conditions on dose and how the medicine is given, such as by mouth, injection or inhalation.
Prescription and OTC.
A doctor’s prescription or an over-the-counter sale does not automatically mean a medicine is permitted in sport.
Tell your clinician.
Let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are an athlete subject to anti-doping rules.
Timing matters.
Ask about relevant wash-out periods before competition. These depend on the substance and its use.
Formulations can differ.
Ingredients may change between brands, versions and countries. Check the exact product you have.
Plan for travel.
Check medicines bought abroad and the country of purchase. Keep your prescription and check destination requirements.
Keep checks current.
Recheck when your medicine changes and when a new Prohibited List takes effect. Save your search reference.
Checking a medicine bought in Malaysia?
Global DRO’s branded medicine coverage includes Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Malaysia is not included. A medicine with the same brand name in another country may have different ingredients.
For a Malaysian product, identify its exact active ingredients and seek help from your doctor, pharmacist or ADAMAS when the status is unclear. An absent search result does not establish that a product is permitted. Global DRO does not assess dietary supplements.
No supplement is
completely risk-free.
A product label, a recommendation or a claim that it is “safe for athletes” cannot guarantee that a supplement is free from prohibited substances.
Explore supplement risk guidanceContamination.
Manufacturing standards and quality controls vary. Cross-contamination can introduce prohibited substances into a product.
Counterfeit products.
Fake products may contain harmful or undeclared ingredients. Be cautious about unverified sellers, particularly online.
Inaccurate labels.
The ingredients or amounts listed on a label may not match the contents. Some substances may not be declared at all.
Misleading claims.
WADA and anti-doping organisations do not approve supplements. A “WADA approved” claim is not a valid assurance.
Start with food. Understand your needs.
Food firstMake the choice
an informed one.
If a supplement is being considered, work through these steps with qualified support. A genuine nutritional need should guide the decision.
Assess the need
and the risk.Weigh the potential benefit, health risks and consequences for your sporting eligibility before deciding.
Take a
food-first approach.Explore how ordinary foods can meet your needs. Supplements should not be treated as a shortcut to good nutrition.
Get qualified
nutrition advice.Consult a qualified sports dietitian or nutritionist who understands athletes and anti-doping responsibilities.
Check the
specific batch.If use is considered necessary, verify independent testing information for the exact product and batch to help reduce risk.
Check the product.
Match the batch.
Use the official directories to verify the exact product, flavour and batch or lot details. Read each programme’s scope. A logo on the packaging alone is not enough, and testing cannot remove all risk.
Informed Sport.
Search certified products and their tested batches. Match the batch identification on your packaging to the record.
Open official product searchNSF Certified for Sport®.
Check the official certified product directory. Search by product, brand or lot number and verify the applicable details.
Open official directoryCologne List®.
Also known as Kölner Liste. Review the product information and available analyses. Test results apply to the specific batch analysed.
Open official product databaseKeep records of your checks, the product label and the batch or lot number. These are independent resources for assessing risk; a listing or certificate does not replace your anti-doping responsibilities.
When you
are unsure.
Ask for help with the exact medicine or supplement you are considering. Keep your clinician informed about your sporting commitments.
Can Global DRO confirm that my supplement is permitted?
No. Global DRO checks medicines and ingredients; it does not evaluate supplement products. A permitted ingredient result cannot rule out undeclared substances or contamination in a supplement.
Does batch testing remove my responsibility?
No. Independent testing can help reduce contamination risk, but cannot guarantee a product is free of every prohibited substance. You remain responsible for prohibited substances found in your sample.
What if my prescribed medicine is prohibited?
Discuss the treatment with your doctor and ask ADAMAS or your International Federation about the applicable TUE requirements. Do not stop or change prescribed treatment without your clinician’s advice. In an emergency, seek medical care first.