WADA adds Tramadol to 2024 Prohibited List which comes into force on 1 January
Agency calls on athletes, entourage, and all stakeholders to note major modification concerning tramadol
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) says it has added Tramadol to the 2024 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods and that the 2024 Monitoring Program come into force on 1 January 2024.
The 2024 List was approved by WADA’s Executive Committee (ExCo) during its meeting on 22 September 2023 in Shanghai, China.
It designates what substances and methods are prohibited both in- and out-of-competition and which substances are banned in particular sports.
One of the latest addidtions is Tramadol, an opioid medicine used for the short-term relief of moderate to severe pain. It is not usually recommended for the treatment of chronic (long-term) pain. Tramadol is only available with a prescription from your doctor.
WADA says it has been monitoring the effects on tramadol on performances and that in September 2022, the ExCo endorsed the recommendation by WADA’s List Expert Advisory Group (EAG) to prohibit the narcotic tramadol in competition, effective 1 January 2024.
The delay in implementation was to ensure stakeholders had enough time to learn and adapt to this change, especially as it pertained to the education of athletes, their entourage, and medical personnel.
WADA says ‘Tramadol abuse, with its risk of physical dependence, opiate use disorder and overdoses, is of concern worldwide and has led to it being a controlled drug in many countries.
‘Research studies funded by WADA, as referenced in the Explanatory Note, have also confirmed the potential for tramadol to enhance sports performance.’
