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Top banned substances in NZ 2023

23 Feb 2023

Top substances for sanctions

Scattered pills and capsules v2

Back in 2019 we published a blog post that would become one of the most-viewed on our website. It was a list of some of the top substances of concern that are banned in sport and responsible for athlete sanctions here in NZ. 

We’ve updated and expanded that post for 2023 and beyond, adding more substances of concern and the health consequences you risk if you use them. 

Remember: If you play sport at any level, the Sports Anti-Doping Rules apply to you. If you’re found to use, possess, buy or traffic these (or any other) banned substances, then you could be subject to an anti-doping sanction, including a ban from all sport.  

Before you take any substance, check if it's banned in sport.

Banned in sport at all times

Substance Description Why it's used Health consequences
Clenbuterol Anabolic agent To lose weight while maintaining lean muscle mass Headaches, hypertension, nausea, increased heart rate, tremors
Dianabol (Metandienone) Anabolic steroid To gain size and strength Heart attack, stroke, impotence, baldness (men), facial hair growth (women), stunted growth (adolescents), psychiatric disorders
Tamoxifen* Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SARM) To reduce the side-effects of steroids, such as excess breast tissue in males. Risk of uterine and endometrial cancer, vision problems, blood clots and headaches
Stanozolol Anabolic steroid To gain size and strength Heart attack, stroke, impotence, baldness (men), facial hair growth (women), stunted growth (adolescents), psychiatric disorders
Drostanolone Anabolic steroid To gain size and strength Heart attack, stroke, impotence, baldness (men), facial hair growth (women), stunted growth (adolescents), psychiatric disorders
Ibutamoren (MK-677, Nutrobol) Growth hormone secretagogue To build muscle Joint pain, anxiety, swelling, increased appetite
GW 1516 (Carodine, Endurobol) Peroxisome proliferated-activated receptor d (PPARd ) agonist To lose weight Rapid cancer development
Higenamine Beta-2-agonist Often found in supplements described as a fat-burner Headache, nausea, anxiety and nervousness, muscle tremors, and increased heart rate
Erythropoietin (EPO)* Hormone produced primarily by the kidneys To increase production of red blood cells, enhancing oxygen delivery to the muscles Heart attack, stroke, blood clots
Enobosarm (Ostarine) Selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) Used to gain size and strength Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and liver toxicity. Long term effects not known
Terbutaline* Beta-2 agonists Used to open the airways Nervousness, tachycardia, palpitations, tonic muscle cramps and hypokalemia
Meldonium (Mildronate) Metabolic modulator Increase endurance, rehabilitation, and used as a stimulant Nausea, headache, shakiness, anxiety, dizziness, fainting, digestive upset, and muscle spasms

* This substance has a medical use. If a doctor prescribes you this substance, you must check whether you need a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) in advance to protect yourself from an anti-doping sanction.

Speak out

If you have concerns about doping in sport, you can report them to us in confidence.