(Numbers in superscript refer to more detailed references included at the end of the document. Asterisks refer to explanations included under the topic in question.)
The official version of the Prohibited List is maintained by WADA and it is published in English and French on WADA's website. If there are any discrepancies between the Finnish, Swedish, English and French versions, the English version shall prevail.
All prohibited substances are considered "specified substances", excluding the substances in classes S1., S2., S4.3., S4.4. and S6.a and the prohibited methods included in classes M1., M2.1. and M3.
SUBSTANCES AND METHODS PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES (IN- AND OUT-OF-COMPETITION, FOR EXAMPLE, DURING THE TRAINING SEASON AND BETWEEN COMPETITIONS)
Substances printed in italics are substances that are not included in WADA's Prohibited List as such. However, according to FINCIS's interpretation, they are included in other substances having similar chemical structure or biological effects or in substances derived from the substances included in the list.
Any pharmacological substance which is not addressed by any of the subsequent sections of the List and with no current approval by any governmental regulatory health authority for human therapeutic use (e.g. drugs under pre-clinical or clinical development or discontinued, designer drugs, substances approved only for veterinary use) is prohibited at all times.
This class covers many different substances including but not limited to BPC-157, 2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP) and Tropinin activators (e.g. Reldesemtiv and Tirasemtiv).
In addition, other substances with a similar chemical structure or similar biological effects.
Other examples of metabolites and isomers – added by FINCIS:
In addition, other substances with a similar chemical structure or similar biological effects.
The following substances and other substances with a similar chemical structure or biological effects are prohibited:
Including, but not limited to:
Including, but not limited to:
Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) is not prohibited.
Including, but not limited to:
Including, but not limited to:
Including, but not limited to:
Including, but not limited to:
Including, but not limited to:
Growth hormone analogues, including, but not limited to
Growth hormone fragments, including, but not limited to,
Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) and its analogues, e.g.
Growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) and their mimetics, e.g.
Growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRPs), e.g.
Including, but not limited to:
Other growth factors and growth factor modulators affecting muscle, tendon or ligament protein synthesis/degradation, vascularisation, energy utilization, regenerative capacity or fibre type switching.
All selective and non-selective β2 agonists, including all optical isomers, are prohibited, excluding inhaled formoterol, salbutamol, salmeterol and vilanterol with limited dosages (more information provided further in this document).
Including, but not limited to:
The following are exceptions to the above and not prohibited:
- Inhaled salbutamol: maximum 1,600 micrograms over 24 hours in divided doses not to exceed 600 micrograms over 8 hours, starting from any dose. However, the athlete must have a TUE for the use of salbutamol with all doses, including when used by inhalation, if the athlete has a TUE for S5 category diuretics (for example, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone) or masking agents.
- Inhaled formoterol: maximum delivered dose of 54 micrograms over 24 hours. However, the athlete must have a TUE for the use of formoterol with all doses, including when used by inhalation, if the athlete has a TUE for S5 category diuretics (for example, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone) or masking agents.
- Inhaled salmeterol: maximum 200 micrograms over 24 hours
- Inhaled vilanterol: maximum 25 micrograms over 24 hours
The presence in urine of salbutamol in excess of 1000 ng/mL or formoterol in excess of 40 ng/mL is not consistent with therapeutic use of the substance and will be considered as an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) unless the Athlete proves, through a controlled pharmacokinetic study, that the abnormal result was the consequence of a therapeutic dose (by inhalation) up to the maximum dose indicated above.
The following hormone and metabolic modulators are prohibited:
Including, but not limited to:
Including, but not limited to:
Including, but not limited to:
Including, but not limited to:
Including, but not limited to:
The following diuretics*** and masking agents*** are prohibited, as are other substances with a similar chemical structure or similar biological effects:
Diuretics such as:
Vaptans, e.g.
Plasma expanders by intravenous administration such as:
***When a substance has a threshold limit for its concentration in urine, the use of the substance together with a diuretic or masking agent (except topical ophthalmic administration of a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor or local administration of felypressin in dental anaesthesia) either in-competition (cathine, ephedrine, methylephedrine, pseudoephedrine) or both in and out-of-competition (formoterol, salbutamol) requires – irrespective of the amount used – that the athlete has also been granted a TUE for the substance in addition to a TUE granted for the diuretic or masking agent. 7
Drospirenone, pamabrom, and topical ophthalmic use of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g. brinzolamide or dorzolamide) are not prohibited.
Local administration of felypressin in dental anaesthesia is not prohibited. 6
The following methods are prohibited:
M1.1. The administration or reintroduction of any quantity of autologous, allogenic (homologous) or heterologous blood or red blood cell products of any origin into the circulatory system is prohibited except donation by Athletes of plasma or plasma components by plasmapheresis performed in a registered collection center.
M1.2. Artificially enhancing the uptake, transport or delivery of oxygen.
Including, but not limited to:
Modified haemoglobin products
The inhalation of supplemental oxygen is not prohibited.
M1.3. Any form of intravascular manipulation of the blood or blood components by physical or chemical means is prohibited.
The following methods are prohibited:
M2.1. Tampering, or attempting to tamper, to alter the integrity or validity of samples collected during doping control is prohibited. Such methods include, but are not limited to, sample substitution and/or adulteration e.g. addition of proteases to sample.
M2.2. Intravenous infusions and/or injections of more than a 100 mL per a 12-hour period are prohibited except for those legitimately received in the course of hospital treatments, surgical procedures or clinical diagnostic investigations.
The following, with the potential to enhance sport performance, are prohibited:
M3.1. The use of nucleic acids or nucleic acid analogues that may alter genome sequences and/or alter gene expression by any mechanism. This includes but is not limited to gene editing, gene silencing and gene transfer technologies.
M3.2. The use of normal or genetically modified cells.
In addition to substances and methods specified in classes S0 to S5 and M1 to M3, the following substances are prohibited in-competition:
Substance of Abuse in this section: cocaine and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA/ecstacy)
All stimulants, including all optical isomers, e.g. d- and l- where relevant, are prohibited.
A stimulant not expressly listed in this section is a Specified Substance in accordance with section b.
Including, but not limited to:
In addition, other substances with a similar chemical structure or similar biological effects.
The following are not prohibited:
Imidazole derivatives for dermatological, nasal, ophthalmic or otic use (such as brimonidine, clonazoline, fenoxazoline, indanazoline, naphazoline, oxymetazoline, tetryzoline, tramazoline and xylometazoline) and those stimulants included in the 2024 Monitoring Program (bupropion; caffeine; nicotine; phenylephrine, i.e. metaoxedrin; phenylpropanolamine, i.e. norephedrine; pipradrol, and synephrine).
Clonidine is not prohibited.
Adrenaline (epinephrine) is permitted when administered locally (e.g. nasal or eye drops) or with local anaesthetics agents.
Cathine (d-norpseudoephedrine) and its l-isomer are prohibited when its concentration in urine is greater than 5 microg/ml.
Ephedrine and methylephedrine are prohibited when the concentration of either in urine is greater than 10 microg/ml. According to FINCIS’ estimate, the washout period for ephedrine and methylepherdine is approximately 4 days.The washout period is not valid if the athlete has a TUE for S5 category diuretics (for example, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone) or masking agents. In this case, the athlete must also have a TUE for ephedrine/methylephedrine when it is used before competition. 13
Pseudoephedrine is prohibited when its concentration in urine is greater than 150 microg/ml. According to WADA estimate, the washout period for pseudoephedrine is approximately 24 hours.The washout period is not valid if the athlete has a TUE for S5 category diuretics (for example, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone) or masking agents. In this case, the athlete must also have a TUE for pseudoephedrine when it is used before competition. 18
Substance of Abuse in this section: diamorphine (heroin)
The following narcotics, including all optical isomers, e.g. d- and l- where relevant are prohibited:
Substance of Abuse in this section: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
All natural and synthetic cannabinoids are prohibited, e.g.
Cannabidiol is not prohibited.
All glucocorticoids are prohibited when administered by any injectable, oral (including oromucosal) or rectal route.
Including, but not limited to:
Other routes of administration (including inhaled, and topical: dental-intracanal,dermal, intranasal, ophthalmological, otic and perianal) are not prohibited when used within the manufacturer’s licensed doses and therapeutic indications.
Including, but not limited to:
In addition, other substances with a similar chemical structure or biological effects.
Beta-blockers are prohibited in the following sports:
The name of the international federation is given in parenthesis.
Beta-blockers are prohibited only in-competition. However, in sports marked with ***** (archery, shooting and underwater sports), beta-blockers are prohibited both in- and out-of-competition.
The international sports federation for shooting sports, ISSF, has stated that beta-blockers are not permitted in any competitions under the federation, even with a Therapeutic Use Exemption. Based on ISSF's requirement, the national anti-doping organizations must also comply with this policy. This means that shooters within the scope of FINCIS's level determination (shooters participating in the Finnish Championships in one of the following categories: open class for men and women and over 15-year-old juniors (rifle, pistol, shotgun and running target shooting)) are no longer allowed to use beta-blockers in national competitions or out-of-competition – not even with a Therapeutic Use Exemption. FINCIS's Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee can grant only retroactive Therapeutic Use Exemptions for beta-blocker use for athletes not within the scope of FINCIS's level determination.
1, The use of testosterone is prohibited at all times. An athlete may be granted a therapeutic use exemption for testosterone only when comprehensive examinations show an unambiguous organic reason for the inadequate secretion of testosterone, such as primary or secondary hypogonadism. An athlete will not be granted a therapeutic use exemption for testosterone merely for having somewhat low testosterone levels in their serum or attaining certain scores in subjective evaluation scales. Nor is a therapeutic use exemption granted for testosterone in cases where functional testosterone deficiency is caused by aging, obesity, overtraining, stress, iatrogenic hyperprolactinemia or other reasons. In justified cases, a therapeutic use exemption may be granted for low-dose short-term use of testosterone to start puberty.
2, The use of human chorionic gonadotrophin, luteinising hormone and their releasing factors is prohibited at all times and only for male athletes.
3, Formoterol is permitted only as pulmonary inhalation, with a maximum dosage of 54 micrograms over 24 hours. Its use is prohibited at all times in larger doses through pulmonary inhalation or other administration methods. However, if the athlete has a TUE for S5 category diuretics (for example, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone) or masking agents the athlete must have a TUE for the use of formoterol with all doses, including when used by inhalation. If the concentration of formoterol in urine exceeds 40 ng/ml, the use of the substance is considered to have been non-medical and the result is interpreted as an adverse analytical finding, unless the athlete, by means of a controlled pharmacokinetic investigation, is able to prove that the abnormal finding is due to the medicinal use of formoterol administered through pulmonary inhalation (maximum dosage 54 micrograms over 24 hours).
4, Salbutamol is permitted only as pulmonary inhalations, nevertheless for a maximum of 1 600 micrograms over 24 hours, in divided doses not to exceed 600 micrograms over 8 hours starting from any dose. Its use is prohibited at all times in larger doses through pulmonary inhalation or other administration methods. However, if the athlete has a TUE for S5 category diuretics (for example, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone) or masking agents, the athlete must have a TUE for the use of salbutamoll with all doses, including when used by inhalation. If the concentration of salbutamol in urine exceeds 1 000 nanograms per millilitre, the use of the substance is considered to have been non-medical and the result is interpreted as an adverse analytical finding, unless the athlete, by means of a controlled pharmacokinetic investigation, is able to prove that the abnormal finding is due to the medicinal use of salbutamol administered through pulmonary inhalation (maximum dosage 1 600 micrograms/day, nevertheless not exceeding 600 micrograms within a 8-hour period). N.B. Salbutamol may be inhaled in various dosage forms: as an inhalation powder, as an inhalation spray or as a respirator solution. Inhalation powder and inhalation spray products are manufactured so that they produce a very precise dosage, either 100 or 200 micrograms per a single dose. However, when using the respirator solution, a single inhaled dose recommended by the manufacturer (2 500 or 5 000 micrograms) already exceeds the maximum daily dose according to anti-doping legislation, and the salbutamol content of the urine may rise above the permitted limit. The respirator solution is intended for the treatment of severe asthma attacks, primarily in hospital environments. The use of salbutamol as a respirator solution requires a well-founded therapeutic use exemption, as does the use of salbutamol as tablets or an oral solution.
5, Salmeterol is permitted only when administered through pulmonary inhalation, with a maximum dosage of 200 micrograms over 24 hours. Its use is prohibited at all times in larger doses through pulmonary inhalation or other administration methods.
6, Brinzolamide and dorzolamide are not prohibited when administered in eye drops. Their use through other administration methods is prohibited at all times.
7, When a substance has a threshold limit for its concentration in urine, the use of the substance together with a diuretic or masking agent either in-competition (cathine, ephedrine, methylephedrine, pseudoephedrine) or both in and out-of-competition (formoterol, salbutamol) requires – irrespective of the amount used – that the athlete has also been granted a TUE for the substance in addition to a TUE granted for the diuretic or masking agent.
8, The use of felypressin as a local anaesthetic during a dental operation is not prohibited.
9, Salt, sugar, iron and nutrient solutions and some allowed medicine administered intravenously as infusions of more than 100 ml are not, as such, mentioned in the list of prohibited substances and methods. However, intravenous infusions and/or injections of fluids are prohibited at all times if the volume of the infused liquid exceeds 100 millilitres in 12 hours, with the exception for those legitimately received in the couse of hospital treatments, surgical procedures or clinical diagnostic investigation.
10, Amfetamine and dexamfetamine are prohibited in-competition, and they are monitored only in samples collected in-competition. The In-competition period starts on the day before the competition at 11:59 p.m., unless otherwise specified. According to FINCIS’ estimate, the withdrawal period for amfetamine and dexamfetamine is approximately 7 days.
11, Lisdexamfetamine is prohibited in-competition, and it is monitored only in samples collected in-competition. The In-competition period starts on the day before the competition at 11:59 p.m., unless otherwise specified. According to FINCIS’ estimate, the washout period for lisdexamfetamine is approximately 7 days.
12, Adrenaline is prohibited in-competition, and it is monitored only in samples collected in-competition. The In-competition period starts on the day before the competition at 11:59 p.m., unless otherwise specified. Adrenaline is, nevertheless, permitted when administered topically (e.g. nasal or eye drops) or with local anaesthesia. If adrenaline is needed to treat an acute and serious disorder (e.g. injection to treat anaphylactic shock) and the athlete intends to take part in a competition within the next 24 hours, the athlete has to apply for a retroactive therapeutic use exemption immediately after the treatment. According to FINCIS’ estimate, the washout period for adrenaline is approximately 24 hours.
13, Ephedrine and methylephedrine are prohibited in-competition, and they are monitored only in samples collected in-competition. The In-competition period starts on the day before the competition at 11:59 p.m., unless otherwise specified. The concentration of ephedrine or methylephedrine in urine may not exceed 10 micrograms/ml. According to FINCIS’ estimate, the washout period for ephedrine is approximately 4 days. The washout period is not valid if the athlete has a TUE for S5 category diuretics (for example, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone) or masking agents. In this case, the athlete must also have a TUE for ephedrine/methylephedrine when it is used before competition.
14, Etilefrine is prohibited in-competition, and it is monitored only in samples collected in-competition. The In-competition period starts on the day before the competition at 11:59 p.m., unless otherwise specified. According to FINCIS’ estimate, the washout period for etilefrine is approximately 3 days.
15, Methylphenidate is prohibited in-competition, and it is monitored only in samples collected in-competition. The In-competition period starts on the day before the competition at 11:59 p.m., unless otherwise specified. According to FINCIS’ estimate, the washout period for methylphenidate products is approximately 7 days.
16, Modafinil is prohibited in-competition, and it is monitored only in samples collected in-competition. The In-competition period starts on the day before the competition at 11:59 p.m., unless otherwise specified. According to FINCIS’ estimate, the washout period for modafinil is approximately 7 days.
17, Noradrenaline is prohibited in-competition, and it is monitored only in samples collected in-competition. The In-competition period starts on the day before the competition at 11:59 p.m., unless otherwise specified. According to FINCIS’ estimate, the washout period for noradrenaline is approximately 24 hours.
18, Pseudoephedrine is prohibited in-competition, and it is monitored only in samples collected in-competition. The In-competition period starts on the day before the competition at 11:59 p.m., unless otherwise specified. The concentration of pseudoephedrine in urine must not exceed 150 micrograms/ml. According to studies performed by WADA, this limit will not be exceeded with the normal therapeutic dosage of pseudoephedrine (e.g. when taking one 60 mg capsule 1–3 times/day, one 120 mg depot tablet twice/day, or one 240 mg depot tablet once/day) if an athlete stops taking pseudoephedrine 24 hours before competition. In other words, the washout time for pseudoephedrine is 24 hours. The washout period is not valid if the athlete has a TUE for S5 category diuretics (for example, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone) or masking agents. In this case, the athlete must also have a TUE for pseudoephedrine when it is used before competition. Rhinitis or nasal congestion due to allergies is not alone sufficient grounds for granting a therapeutic use exemption for the use of pseudoephedrine, since permitted nasal sprays as well as permitted antihistamines may be used during the 24-hour period preceding a competition.
19,Selegiline (deprenyl) is prohibited in-competition, and it is monitored only in samples collected in-competition. The In-competition period starts on the day before the competition at 11:59 p.m., unless otherwise specified. According to FINCIS’ estimate, the washout period for selegiline products is approximately 7 days.
20, Apraclonidine is prohibited in-competition, and it is monitored only in samples collected in-competition. The In-competition period starts on the day before the competition at 11:59 p.m., unless otherwise specified. According to FINCIS’ estimate, the washout period for apraclonidine is approximately 3 days. When administered topically (e.g. as eye drops), apraclonidine is nevertheless permitted.
21, Brimonidine is prohibited in-competition, and it is monitored only in samples collected in-competition. The In-competition period starts on the day before the competition at 11:59 p.m., unless otherwise specified. According to FINCIS’ estimate, the washout period for brimonidine is approximately 2 days. When administered topically (e.g. as eye drops or as a gel), brimonidine is nevertheless permitted.
22, Narcotics (strong opioids and tramadol) are prohibited during competitions, and they are monitored only in samples collected in-competition. The In-competition period starts on the day before the competition at 11:59 p.m., unless otherwise specified. According to WADA’s estimate, the washout period for tramadol is 24 hours. According to FINCIS’ estimate, the washout period for alfentanil is approximately 2 days, for buprenorphine products approximately 30 days, for hydromorphone approximately 7 days, for methadone approximately 30 days, for morphine approximately 7 days, for oxycodone approximately 7 days, for remifentanil approximately 2 days and for sufentanil approximately 8 days.If an athlete participates in competition during the use of medication, the athlete must have a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for the prohibited opioid treatment. If the opioid treatment has been discontinued Out-of-competition during the washout period, the concentrations of the prohibited substance may exceed the allowed decision limit in a doping sample during the In-competition period. However, the athlete can apply for a TUE retroactively after the positive doping test result in accordance with the International standard for TUEs (if the athlete has not applied for it in advance) when a prohibited opioid has only been used Out-of-competitions within the washout period (but not In-competition). In this case, it should be ensured beforehand that the terms and conditions related to the granting of a TUE are fulfilled. The athlete should have the medical file prepared and ready in case an application for retroactive TUE is necessary following doping test.
23, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is prohibited in-competition, and it is monitored only in samples collected in-competition.
24, All glucocorticoids are prohibited during the in-competition period when administered by oral (including oral mucosa), rectal, or any injectable route (regardless of injection site). Only samples collected in-competition are monitored for them. When administered via other routes (e.g. inhalation of the lungs, ointments, drops or sprays on the mucous membranes of the eyes, ears and nose, as ointment on the skin for the treatment of skin diseases and perianal), they are permitted.
WADA has defined the washout periods for glucocorticoids according to the administration route and the active substance used when the medicinal product is used at the dosage recommended by the manufacturer.
If the athlete is being treated with glucocorticoids during the in-competition period, they must have a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption for the prohibited glucocorticoid treatment. The in-competition period starts on the day preceding the competition at 11:59 p.m., unless otherwise specified.
If glucocorticoid therapy has been discontinued prior to the in-competition period during the washout period, the prohibited pharmalogical substance concentration may exceed the reporting limit for doping samples taken during the competition. However, according to the International Exemption Standard for TUEs, an athlete may apply for Therapeutic Use Exemption retroactively after a positive doping test result (unless the athlete has applied for it in advance), when a medical doctor has administered or prescribed a prohibited glucocorticoid and it has only been used outside the competition, e.g. during the washout period (but not during the in-competition period). In this case, it should be checked in advance that the medical conditions for granting the Therapeutic Use Exemption are met. The athlete must be able to present the patient file if the exemption is to be applied for retroactively after a positive doping sample has been given.
25, Beta blockers are prohibited in shooting (ISSF, IPC), archery (WA) and Underwater sports (CMAS) at all times. In particular sports (see the list below), they are prohibited in-competition and, for this reason, beta blockers are monitored only in samples collected in-competition (P1.). The In-competition period starts on the day before the competition at 11:59 p.m., unless otherwise specified.In the following sports (the international organisation is shown in brackets), beta blockers are prohibited only in-competition: automobile sports (FIA), billiards (all disciplines, WCBS), darts (WDF), freestyle (aerials and halfpipe, FIS), golf (IGF), mini-golf (WMF), snowboarding (halfpipe and big air, FIS) and ski jumping (FIS).
According to FINCIS’ estimate, the approximate withdrawal periods for beta blockers are as follows: acebutolol 14 days, atenolol 14 days, betaxolol 14 days, bisoprolol 14 days, esmolol 5 days, carvedilol 9 days, labetalol 7 days, metoprolol 5 days, nebivolol 30 days, propranolol 5 days, celiprolol 5 days, sotalol 7 days and timolol 7 days. The withdrawal periods apply to disciplines in which the beta blockers are prohibited in-competition.
This means that shooters within the scope of FINCIS's level determination (shooters participating in the Finnish Championships in one of the following categories: open class for men and women and over 15-year-old juniors (rifle, pistol, shotgun and running target shooting) are no longer allowed to use beta-blockers in national competitions or out-of-competition – not even with a Therapeutic Use Exemption. FINCIS's Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee can grant only retroactive Therapeutic Use Exemptions for beta-blocker use for athletes not within the scope of FINCIS's level determination.
26, Methylhexaneamine is prohibited in-competition, and it is monitored only in samples collected in-competition. Some nutritional supplements contain methylhexaneamine (also known as 2-amino-4-methylhexaneamine; dimethylamylamine; DMAA; fortane; geranamine; methylpentanamine; pentylamine).
27, Cathine is prohibited in-competition, and it is monitored only in samples collected in-competition. The concentration of cathine in urine must not exceed 5 micrograms/ml. If the cathine has been used together with a diuretic or masking agent (S5.) all cathine concentrations in urine sample leads to adverse analytical finding.
28, This pharmaceutical is prohibited in-competition, and it is monitored only in samples collected in-competition. The In-competition period starts on the day before the competition at 11:59 p.m., unless otherwise specified.
29, Vilanterol is permitted only when administered through pulmonary inhalation, with a maximum dosage of 25 micrograms over 24 hours. Its use is prohibited at all times in larger doses through pulmonary inhalation or other administration methods.