Drug Information Database - Checking Medication

The advice is simple - check every single substance or medication before you use it - even if it's a medication you have used and checked before. 

When checking your medication, make sure you: 

• Check the status of all the active ingredients listed on the ingredients label of your medication
• If using the Drug Information Database check that the ingredients listed on the response page match the substances listed on the label of your product
• Check the correct ‘route of administration'
• For any specific regulations for a substance in your sport check your sport's Anti-Doping Regulations.
  

If you are planning a trip abroad, make sure you complete the following checklist before you board the plane:

• Check that you have taken enough medication to allow continuation of treatment you are receiving
• Check the status of all products you buy before you travel
• Check that any medication you plan to take into a country is permitted through customs
• Check that you have UK Sport's Advice Card in your wallet
• Check that you have notified UK Sport or your IF of any changes to your athlete whereabouts information.
  

Travelling Abroad - Customs Advice

Some countries have different customs laws that may prohibit you from taking some substances into a particular country. 

If you are carrying a Prohibited Substance for a legitimate medical condition, you should carry the following documents with you at all times: 

• Your prescription from your prescribing physician including the name of the substance, dosage and strength
• Your Therapeutic Use Exemption Certificate to demonstrate that an authorised Anti-Doping Organisation has permitted you to use a Prohibited Substance for medical purposes.
  

TIP: If you are not completely sure, you should contact the customs department at the airport to which you are travelling. 

Remember: If you need to buy a product overseas you must check carefully as common medications can and do contain different substances to those available in the UK. Wherever possible you should take your own medication abroad with you as this will help to avoid buying foreign products.