The World Anti-doping Agency (WADA) has published the renewed Prohibited List with the forbidden substances and methods in sports. This List will go into effect on January 1, 2010. The notable changes compared to the previous List are that pseudoephedrine is considered a prohibited substance and that the use of inhaled salbutamol and salmeterol for treating asthma becomes easier.

Starting from 2010 all TUEs need to be sent to the IFF office 30 days in advance of the competition (previously 21 days), otherwise there will be a late TUE administration fee of 100/CHF.

Additional information about Pseudoephedrine:

• WADA has reintroduced pseudoephedrine (PSE) to the 2010 Prohibited List as a specified stimulant prohibited in-competition at a urinary threshols of 160μg/mL. Pseudoephedrine is commonly used for treating allergic nasal catarrh (flu).
• The established threshold levels may be reached (rarely, but possibly) by some individuals within 6-20 hours of intake of some long-lasting therapeutic formulations.
• Advise athletes to stop taking PSE pills at least 24 hours before competition.
  For therapeutic applications during the In-Competition period, consider the use of alternative permitted medications upon previous consultation with a physician, or apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for the use of PSE for therapeutic purpose(s).
• The threshold level has been established based on the intake of therapeutic doses of PSE, defined as a maximum daily dose of 240mg PSE taken either as:

i) four (4) daily administrations (one every 4-6 hours) of a 60mg pill (or 2 x 30mg pills),or
ii) two (2) daily administrations (one every 12 hours) of a 120mg pill (extended release), or
iii) one (1) daily administration of a 240mg pill (extended release).

• In line with this dosing regimen, the intake, for example, of a single daily dose of 3 x 60mg pills constitutes a supratherapeutic administration that may lead to an Adverse Analytical Finding.
• Pseudoephedrine products are for example: Aerinaze, Cirrus and Duact.

Additional information about Salbutamol & Salmeterol (Beta-2 agonists):

• The use of salbutamol and salmeterol by inhalation no longer requires a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) but should be mentioned in the doping control form at the time of testing.
• It is specified that the maximum dose for the controlled pharmacokinetic study cannot exceed the maximum therapeutic dose for inhaled salbutamol (1600 μg/day).
• Inhaled Asthma medications that include salbutamol are: Airomir, Atrodual, Buventol, Ipramol, Salipra, Ventilastin and Ventoline.
• Inhaled Asthma medications that include salmeterol are: Seretide and Serevent.

Other Beta-2 agonists e.g. terbutaline and formoterol remain prohibited and still require a therapeutic use exemption (TUE). The request for a TUE should include a complete medical file with a clear explanation of why an alternate medication is being prescribed.

It should be noted that, at least for 2010, the intent is not to deny the use of alternate Beta-2 agonists because there is now a permitted substitute (salbutamol/salmeterol), particularly where a treatment regimen has already been established. For athletes newly diagnosed with asthma, permitted Beta-2 agonists should be considered as primary treatments unless otherwise justified.

The 2010 Prohibited List is found here and will be published on the IFF web page under Anti-doping and under Materials in December 2009.

More information from the WADA web page.