What is meant by «In-Competition»

Unless provided otherwise in the rules of an International Federation or the ruling body of the Event in question, «In-Competition» means twelve hours before the start of a competition through the end of the competition (e.g. award ceremony and conclusion) including the sample collection process (drug testing process) related to the competition. Keep in mind you may be in-competition for drug testing purposes even though you have not arrived at the competition grounds yet, or you have already left!

Please note: Some ingredients have long half-life periods and can thus be detected in the urine for several days or weeks.

What is meant by «Out-of-Competition (OOC)»

Any period which is not In-Competition. Thus, Ouf-of-Competition doping controls can take part anytime and anywhere such as during or out of training, during or out of season, at home, at the gym or abroad.

Why can’t I find what I’m searching for in the Global DRO?

There are a number of possible reasons you may not be able to find the item you’re searching for in the Global DRO.

• Supplements and vitamins are not included in the Global DRO. These products are subject to less stringent manufacturing and labeling regulations than pharmaceuticals, so it is virtually impossible to provide a definitive answer about whether or not they contain prohibited substances, despite what is listed on the packaging. Do not use the Global DRO to check individual ingredients in a supplement to determine if it is safe to use. Ingredients included in the Global DRO are tied to pharmaceutical products and have been through a regulatory process that is not applicable to supplements.
• Make sure you’re looking for information from the correct country. Drugs and ingredients may be referred to by different names, or synonyms, in different countries. Be sure you select the correct nation of purchase before starting your search.
• Drugs obtained outside of Switzerland the UK, Canada, the USA, Australia or Japan are not included in the Global DRO. You may verify the status of drugs purchased elsewhere by searching for the individual active ingredients, but you must exercise caution with the result. The list of countries with their own drug database can be checked here.
• The medication may be very new on the market, and yet to go through the Global DRO data review process.

The number of results returned for the search is overwhelming. How can I narrow it down?

Try any of the following:

• Refine the search by typing more letters in the search parameter. 
• Filter the search by BRANDS or Ingredients only.

What should I do if my doctor has prescribed a medication that the Global DRO says is prohibited?

In the event that a prescribed medication is on The Prohibited List, you may need to apply for Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Consult the Antidoping Switzerland website (www.antidoping.ch/en/tue) to learn the TUE rules and requirements that apply to you.

Why aren’t supplements and vitamins included in the Global DRO?

These products are subject to less stringent manufacturing and labeling regulations than pharmaceuticals, so it is virtually impossible to provide a definitive answer about whether or not they contain prohibited substances. Do not use the Global DRO to check individual ingredients in a supplement to determine if it is safe to use. Ingredients referenced in the Global DRO are related to pharmaceutical products and have been through a regulatory process that is not applicable to supplements.

What is the WADA Prohibited List and how is it determined what is included in the List?

The World Anti-Doping Agency, or WADA, maintains and updates this internationally-recognized list that identifies substances and methods that are prohibited in-competition, out-of-competition, and any variances for particular sports. The updated List comes into effect on January 1.

WADA takes several factors into account when deciding whether to include a substance or method on the Prohibited List. A substance or method must meet two of the three following criteria to be included on the Prohibited List:

1. Use of the substance or method has the potential to enhance sport performance;
2. Use of the substance or method represents an actual or potential health risk to the athlete; and/or
3. Use of the substance or method violates the “spirit of sport.”

A substance or method can also be included on the List if there is evidence that it has the potential to mask, or conceal, the use of other prohibited substances and methods.

What do the WADA Classifications refer to?

WADA divides the substances and methods included in the Prohibited List into classes based on similarities in chemical structure and benefits, or purpose, and are identified as a substance or method with either a "S" or "M." Examples include S1. ANABOLIC AGENTS, such as anabolic steroids, or M1. ENHANCEMENT OF OXYGEN TRANSFER, such as blood doping. The List also includes a “P” classification for SUBSTANCES PROHIBITED IN PARTICULAR SPORTS.

Why does a drug’s route of administration matter? What difference does it make?

How a drug is administered, or its route of administration, affects how much of it is available to the body, and thus, the benefits of use. Typically, drugs administered by a systemic route (e.g., oral, intravenous injection) are very potent and effective, whereas a topical application (e.g., eye drops, skin cream) have a localized target and are not likely to impact anywhere other than the region applied. Other routes of administration fall between these categories.