These substances can get you sanctioned
Substances of note
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 more worrisome substances that are banned in sport and that had been responsible for athlete sanctions here in NZ.
We’ve updated and expanded that post for 2023 and beyond, adding more substances to avoid 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.
| 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 |
| Methylphenidate (Ritalin)* | Stimulant | To increase concentration and reduce nerves | Headache, decreased appetite, upset stomach, trouble sleeping, nausea, anxiety, irritability, blurred vision, chest pain, unexplained fainting |
| 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.
- Report via our anonymous web form
- Send us an email at intel@drugfreesport.org.nz
- Call us on 0800 DRUG FREE (378 437)