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Substances: Glucocorticosteroids (Cortisone)

Glucocorticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents.  They may be administered in a variety of ways to treat chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, asthma, inflamed joints and allergic reactions.

Side effects

When administered through the bloodstream, glucocorticosteroids have effects on many different body systems.  Possible acute side effects include fluid retention, hyperglycemia and mood alteration.

Potential chronic side effects include systemic infections (due to immunosuppression), musculoskeletal problems (e.g. osteoporosis, softening of the connective tissue and weakening of muscles, bones and ligaments).

Status in Sport

Under the World Anti-Doping Code 2007 Prohibited List (in effect 01/01/07), glucocorticosteroids, except those administered topically (e.g. skin creams), are prohibited in-competition only. Glucocorticosteroids applied dermatologically (e.g. skin creams), as well as via routes such as:

• anal
• ophthalmical (eye drops)
• dental (topical mouth applications)
• nasal (nasal sprays)
• aural (ear)
• otic (eardrops)
• iontophoresis (where an electrical current is used to stimulant a topically applied glucocorticosteroid

are permitted from 01/01/07 and do not require an Abbreviated Therapeutic Use Exemption (ATUE).

Other non-systemic routes of administration (respiratory or inhaled, anal, local injection, intra-articular injection) require an ATUE prior to use. ATUE forms and further procedural information are available under Therapeutic use of prohibited substances on the ASADA website.

Glucocorticosteriods administered via systemic routes (orally, rectally, or by intravenous or intramuscular administration) are prohibited and their use requires a standard Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).

For further information regarding standard TUEs visit the Australian Sports Drug Medical Advisory Committee website.

 

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