When a fever and blocked nose show up uninvited, the temptation to take any cold sachet from the pharmacy is great. But for an athlete, even a simple “medicinal” tea can hide a prohibited substance. ⚠️
Here’s how to find your way around the pharmacy shelves:
✅ 1. The “Green Zone” – permitted medicines (safe)
These don’t contain substances on the WADA list and can be used with confidence to manage symptoms:
- Fever and body aches 🌡️: Paracetamol (acetaminophen) and Ibuprofen (plain Nurofen).
- Nagging cough 🗣️: Natural (herbal) syrups, Ambroxol (Mucosolvan) or Acetylcysteine (ACC).
- Sore throat 🍭: Lozenges such as Strepsils, Decasept or sprays such as Tantum Verde.
- Blocked nose (safe options) 🌊: Sea-water sprays, Olynth or Bixtonim (careful – the plain version, with no extra compounds).
❌ 2. The “Red Zone” – avoid in competition
Many “all-in-one” medicines (sachets dissolved in hot water) contain Pseudoephedrine – a powerful stimulant prohibited in competition. 🚫
Watch out for popular products:
- Soluble sachets 🍵: Theraflu, Coldrex, Fervex (some versions).
- Combination tablets 💊: Nurofen Cold & Flu, Humex, Bioflu.
- Nasal sprays with surprises 👃: Avoid any spray containing corticosteroids or ephedrine unless you have a verified prescription.
💡 3. “Pro” tips for staying clean
- Choose single-ingredient products 🧬: Instead of a 5-ingredient cocktail, take plain Paracetamol. It’s much safer and easier to keep track of!
- The 24-hour rule ⏱️: If you’ve taken a medicine with pseudoephedrine by mistake, it needs at least 24 hours to leave your system before a doping control.
- Read the leaflet carefully 🔍: Look for keywords such as Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine or Codeine.
📊 Quick reference table
Download the 2026 medicines guide here (in Romanian).
Conclusion: Your health comes first, but your career’s safety depends on the choices you make at the pharmacy. When in doubt, ask the team doctor or check the ANAD app! 🛡️✨
