The World Doping Agency
The World Doping Agency (WADA), an
agency established in 1999 by the International Olympic Committee (IOC),
fights doping among athletes and protects the integrity of sport against
the use of illicit substances. Every year WADA publishes a list of
prohibited drugs, which includes β2-agonists and ICS, treatments for
athletes suffering from EIB and asthma. These substances are considered
to be performance-enhancing drugs.
Although these drugs are not allowed to be used in systemic
administration by athletes, under certain conditions, inhalation use is
permitted for athletes who suffer from EIB and asthma. The IOC
regulations require diagnosis of AHR or reversibility to
bronchodilators, to allow the use of such drugs during competition.
Pharmaceuticals from this group include (inhaled): formoterol,
salbutamol, terbutaline and salmeterol. Furthermore, WADA or the IOC
Medical Commission must always be informed of which athletes are using
ICS treatment.