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Q:
What if I can’t find my medication on DRO?
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A: Global DRO is sensitive to spelling. If you type in the brand or generic name of the medication and no results are returned from your search, double check the spelling and try searching for only the first three letters. If you still cannot find your medication by brand name or label name, you can always search for specific substances. Look at the ingredient list on the packaging and search for those individual names.
Your search might not return any results if the medication is not available in the USA.
If you still cannot find the information that you need call the Drug Reference Phone Line on 1 800 233 0393. Please let us know if there is something missing from Global DRO by clicking on the “Feedback” icon on the Global DRO Home page, or by notifying the Drug Reference Phone Line (as above).
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Q:
What is the “reference number” that appears on the results page?
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A: The reference number is an 11-digit number that provides documentation and proof of your search. You should save the outcome of your search by printing out the results page and/or recording the reference number. Using this reference number, USADA will be able to recreate and review the same results of this search at a later time if needed.
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Q:
If a medication is prohibited, does that mean I can’t take it?
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A: USADA does not interfere with the doctor-patient relationship, and USADA does not provide medical advice. Your decision to take a substance (prohibited or not) is between you and your physician. Your health should always come first. USADA only advises on the rules of sport.
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Q:
Global DRO reports that the medication I searched for is not prohibited. So I can go ahead and take it, right?
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A: If Global DRO reports that a medication is not prohibited, the status of this medication has been examined by USADA, and it has been determined that this medication does not contain any substances that are prohibited according to the current World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List. USADA does not test for the presence of this medication in your body because it is not considered to give you an unfair athletic advantage.
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Q:
Why are there three countries to choose from on the Global DRO page?
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A: Global DRO is a resource database of medications currently available in the United States, Canada, and the UK. Each country has its own regulatory policies to approve medications and not all medications are available in all countries. The Brand name medications represented in each country’s Global DRO database reflects the medications available in that country.
Eventually we hope to provide this resource to other countries as well. If you’d like more information on this option, please click the “Feedback” icon.
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Q:
What if I accidentally searched under the wrong country, and took my medication according to that advice?
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A: In several English speaking countries, medications and substances will have the same name, but this is not always true. Certain medications marketed in the UK or Canada are not available in the US and vis versa. Also, some drug formulations may be different.
Perform a new search in the United States database of Global DRO to verify the status of your medication.
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Q:
I was traveling overseas and was prescribed a medication, but I can’t find it on Global DRO. Why not?
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A: If you were prescribed a medication in the United States, Canada, or the UK this medication should appear on Global DRO when searching under that country. If you were prescribed a medication in another country, these medications may not be listed in Global DRO because manufacturer brand names are country specific.
You may find information about the active ingredient, but USADA cannot guarantee the purity or quality of the products purchased outside of the United States. In many countries, medication manufacturers must guarantee the quality of their product, but not all countries regulate prescription or nonprescription products.
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Q:
Why aren’t dietary and other health supplements listed in Global DRO?
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A: Dietary supplements are not included on Global DRO because there is no way for USADA to be certain about the contents of a supplement. USADA expects athletes to educate themselves on the products they chose to ingest, especially dietary supplements. USADA informs athletes that all dietary supplements are used at the athlete’s own risk.
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Q:
I like to use herbal and homeopathic medications. Are they prohibited?
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A: As with dietary supplements, these products are not regulated. The athlete uses these substances at their own risk. Herbal and homeopathic medications are not included on Global DRO because there is no way for USADA to be certain about the contents of these medications.
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Q:
I get lots of results when I type in my medication- how do I know I have the right one?
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A: Read the label on your medication carefully to ensure you select the right one. Choose the closest matching name and correct dosage form, since most medications come in a liquid suspension, a tablet, or an inhaler, etc. Double check the results you get on Global DRO to make sure you searched for the correct medication and way you ingest that product. If you are in doubt, call the Drug Reference Phone Line on 1 800 233 0393.
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Q:
How come Vicks Vapor Rub is permitted, but Vicks Vapor inhaler is prohibited? Aren’t they the same?
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A: Several over-the-counter Brand Name manufacturers have products with similar names but different ingredients. For instance, the active ingredient in Vicks Vapor Rub is menthol, which is permitted. In contrast Vicks Vapor Inhaler contains Levmetamfetamine which is prohibited in-competition. Always double-check the label on your medication for the ingredients listed and match that with the results in Global DRO to make sure you have selected the correct medication and formulation.
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Q:
I donate plasma which requires an IV. Is that a prohibited method?
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A: Donating Plasma is not prohibited because USADA considers the IV part of the procedure in this instance. Any reinjection of red blood cells (if applicable) must occur immediately at the point of care, and only the red blood cells removed immediately prior as a part of the original plasma donation may be reinjected.
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Q:
My doctor thinks I need intravenous medication infusion. Is this prohibited?
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A: Intravenous infusion is a prohibited method when the volume is over 50mL. If your medical condition requires an intravenous infusion of a greater volume, then you should submit an application for a Therapeutic Use Exemption. The medication itself may not be prohibited, but the method of IV infusion is prohibited. Iron or an antibiotic like Rocephin, for instance, as ingredients are not prohibited, but the volume infused must be limited to less than 50mL unless you have an approved TUE.
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Q:
I can’t find my question on this list. What should I do?
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A: To get an answer to your question, you should call the Drug Reference Phone Line on 1 800 233 0393, or you can fill click the “Feedback” link on the Global DRO USA home page.
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