With the Paris Olympics at the forefront of media attention, concerns have risen over athletes risking disqualification or having their medals revoked from taking traditional medicines incidentally containing banned ingredients. Federation of Taiwan Pharmacists Associations (FTPA) sports pharmacists group convener Chen Chi-hua (陳琦華) said in an interview on Monday that many athletes are worried about unknowingly taking banned drugs.
Chen elaborated that some competitors choose traditional medicine because they believe that Western medicines contain substances such as the stimulant ephedrine, frequently used to combat symptoms of the common cold. Even acne treatment may include diuretics that are also banned in professional sports. However, Chen said that, for example, the cold remedy arrowroot soup similarly contains ephedrine, and common traditional medicinal ingredients like lotus seed heart and wild ginger contain higenamine, a cardiotonic and bronchodilator which is also banned.
With a risk of drug misuse equal to that of Western medicine, Chen emphasized that the FTPA’s newly established sports pharmacist group will help sportspeople compete with peace of mind. She says that soon, consultation services will be available to athletes in Taiwan at nearby hospitals, clinics, and community pharmacies.