The new Prohibited List enters into force on 1 January 2024. For the 2024 Prohibited List, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has made several modifications, which have an impact on the doping status of various medications. The most important update is, that the substance tramadol (a strong painkiller).
Tramadol prohibited in-competition from 1 January 2024
Tramadol is prohibited in all sports as of January 1st. Based on the therapeutic use of tramadol, the washout period is established at 24 hours. The washout period refers to the time from the last administered dose to the time of the start of the In-Competition period (i.e., beginning at 11:59 p.m. on the day before a Competition). Athletes who are currently being treated with tramadol should timely seek permitted alternative treatment. If there is no permitted alternative treatment possible, the TUE regulations must be observed.
There are different types of painkillers. They differ in terms of their effect, strength, application and prohibited status. According to the Prohibited List, strong painkillers (narcotics), legally classified as narcotics, are prohibited. Further information can be found in the new special topic on painkillers.
Plasma donations permitted
Athletes who wish to donate blood or blood components must be familiar with the anti-doping regulations. It should be noted that the administration or reintroduction of blood into the circulatory system is prohibited under the Prohibited List. From 2024, the donation of plasma and plasma components, in which blood is also returned, will be explicitly exempt from this prohibition and will be permitted in registered donation centers in accordance with the Prohibited List. The special topic blood donations and blood treatments is dedicated to this topic in detail.
Clarifications and new examples
Further changes to the Prohibited List of the addition of examples and synonyms of already prohibited substances. There are also formal adjustments in the subclass of peptide hormones and their releasing factors and in the class of diuretics and masking agents. An exhaustive list of all modifications is provided by the WADA.
Swiss Sport Integrity reminds all athletes to check all medications with the medication inquiry service Global DRO (via website or Mobile App) before use.
