cold medicines & testing

[frenzl]

I have a cold but am fencing in the JO's. i would like to take some dymatape(?) or something for my sinuses, but i don't want to be called in for a drug test and test postitve. what should i do?
by the way i don't plan on placing anywhere near the top and i don't have any nat. points to take away and i'm not fencing until sat.

[mfp]

Read the Drug Testing paragraph you signed on the USFA's tournament application form to refresh your memory of what you agreed to, your responsibilities and the possible consequences. Somewhere in the section should be the toll-free 800 number for the USADA hotline which you can call and ask about whatever medication you're thinking of. (Get the name of it right though).

[HilandDoug]

There are prescription medicines that will make you fail, as well. I take Protonix for acid reflux, and the interaction precaution the pharmacist gave me on my last refill (first time he's done that in 6 years of taking Protonix) says it'll make users fail a drug test, showing up as THC.

[nahouw]

You would be relieved to know that as of Jan 1, 2004 both pseudophedrine and caffiene were taken off the banned substances list by WADA.

Also, drug testing protocols for fencing competitions specify that the 2 fencers in the final bout, plus 1 fencer, randomly drawn by lots from the remaining fencers from the final 8, are the only fencers that get drug tested.

In regards to other known prescription medicines, you should advise your doctor, and he can 1) provide an alternative medication or 2) provide a letter that you need that medication and no other substitute is available. As Mo specified, there is a 1-800 number in the Athlete's Handbook, and either you or your doctor should call it and verify. If in fact that you are required to take a medication that is a banned substanced, there is paperwork to file that will allow you to take your medication -- but it has to be filed in accordanced with the instructions from the 1-800 number.