A message to SINI athletes from SINI Doctor

I am sure you are all aware that there are some important changes to the anti-doping regulations from 1/1/10. Firstly anyone who has been using inhalers for asthma and is subject to an aTUE should be aware that their aTUE will expire at midnight on 31/12/09. The process after that time depends on which inhaler you are using - some inhalers will require a full TUE - others will need a declaration of use. If you are taking inhalers and unsure how to proceed please contact Dr Mike Webb on webbm@doctors.org.uk or mikewebb@sini.co.uk for further advice.

The other big change is that pseudoephedrine has been reintroduced to the banned list. This is a drug that is contained in a lot of common over the counter cough and cold remedies - eg sudafed, galpseud etc etc. Athletes need to be really vigilant that they don’t take any medications that contain pseudoephedrine. If in doubt you can check any medications on the UK anti doping website http://www.ukad.org.uk/home/ or the Irish equivalent www.eirpharm.com/ or contact Mike Webb as above.