Prohibited List 2024: Tramadol out and blood plasma in

Athlete use of common painkiller tramadol is being banned in competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in 2024, while the ban on blood plasma donations by athletes will be lifted.

These updates come as part of WADA’S annual review of its Prohibited List, which documents all substances and methods that are banned in sport. The 2024 Prohibited List and its changes will come into force on 1 January 2024.

Used to manage moderate to severe pain, tramadol has raised concerns given its potential to enhance performance. The opioid painkiller is believed to reduce the perception of difficulty and potentially increase power output. This increases the potential for injury. As an opioid, there are also fears that use of the drug can lead to addiction.

“Banning tramadol in-competition aims to protect the health of athletes, encouraging responsible and sustainable performance enhancement through proper training and recovery.” Said Drug Free Sport New Zealand Chief Executive Nick Paterson.

It is within the rules to use tramadol out-of-competition. However, tramadol can take time to leave the body. Taking it close to a competition means there’s a risk that an athlete could test positive during the in-competition period.

It should be noted that athletes who have a legitimate medical reason for using a prohibited substance or method should make sure they are clear about their Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) status.

Another key change to the 2024 Prohibited List is the removal of blood plasma donation, which will now be permitted for athletes when performed at a registered collection centre.

Mr Paterson celebrated the move:

“We campaigned for this change because allowing athletes to donate blood plasma means they can take part in a vital medical procedure outside of the context of sport. We strongly support it.”

For more information on the use of tramadol, visit Tramadol | Drug Free Sport New Zealand.

For more information on prohibited substances or the Prohibited List, visit Prohibited substances | Drug Free Sport New Zealand