The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) wishes to remind stakeholders that the 2024 List of prohibited substances and methods (List) and the 2024 Monitoring Program enter into force 1st January 2024.
All Major Modifications for 2024 is regarding tramadol: Tramadol has been on WADA’s Monitoring program and data gathered through that program have indicated significant use in sports. 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.
It should be noted that for athletes who have a legitimate medical reason for using a prohibited substance or method that is on the List, they can apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) to determine whether they meet the criteria outlined in the International standards document (ISTUE). The TUE Program is a rigorous and necessary part of elite sport which has overwhelming acceptance from athletes, physicians, and anti-doping stakeholders.