Warning against unauthorised infusions in sport

The National Anti Doping Agency of Germany (NADA Germany) would like to point out that intravenous infusions and/or injections totalling more than 100 ml within a period of 12 hours are prohibited both in competition and out of competition according to the rules of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). 

An exception only applies to medically necessary situations such as hospitalisation, operations or clinical diagnostic examinations. In these cases, larger volumes of fluids may also be administered, provided the substances they contain are not prohibited.

If an infusion is medically necessary and does not fall under the exceptions mentioned, athletes must - depending on the respective test pool - apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) either before or after a doping control. This authorisation is only granted if certain requirements are met: There must be a medically diagnosed illness or medical emergency situation, the infusion must be medically prescribed and permitted treatment alternatives such as oral intake (by mouth) of the fluid or medication is not medically justifiable or possible. 

It is also necessary to apply for a TUE if prohibited substances are administered as an intravenous infusion and/or injection, even if this is done in hospital, during operations or clinical diagnostic examinations or if the volume of fluid is less then 100 ml. 

So-called lifestyle infusions containing vitamins, minerals or trace elements do not fulfil these requirements. NADA Germany also warns that such infusions - for example from drip bars - may contain banned substances.

For this reason, NADA Germany generally advises against intravenous infusions that are not medically necessary.

Here you will find further information: https://www.nada.de/en/medicine/current-medical-advice