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Top banned substances in NZ

23 February 2023

Top substances for sanctions

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 the current year, 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.