Injections in Athletes
Cortisone (corticosteroid) injections, for individuals subject to drug testing under WADA (most professional and Olympic sports), are banned unless the athlete seeks a theraputic use exemption (TUE), including supporting documents from a physician.
Intra-articular Hyaluronan injections are not prohibited.
The directives from the UK Sport Drug Information Database states:
WADA Regulations for Corticosteroids:
| In Competition | Prohibited: S9 Glucocorticosteroids, systemic: Glucocorticosteroids are prohibited when administered orally, rectally, or by intravenous or intramuscular injection. Their use requires a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) approval. To find out if you are required to submit a TUE application and where to send it Click Here |
| Out of Competition | Not Prohibited: Not tested for Out-of-Competition: These substances are not tested for `Out-of-Competition'. |
Download a TUE form from UK Sport here (PDF)
WADA Regulations for Hyaluronans (Hyaluronic Acid):
| In Competition | Not Prohibited: There are no WADA restrictions on the use of this substance or product in sport. |
| Out of Competition | Not Prohibited: There are no WADA restrictions on the use of this substance or product in sport. |
WADA Regulations for Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP):
From 2010 PRP will be prohibited when administered by intramuscular route, but other routes of administration will require a declaration of use in compliance with the International Standard for TUEs. See more at UK Sport News
