German Ivonne Kraft has tested positive for the asthma medication Fenoterol after a cyclo-cross race on May 6. The German federation (BDR) has opened proceedings against the 36 year-old, deciding not to wait for the B sample. She faces a six-month suspension.
In a statement, Kraft said that her mother, who suffers from asthma, attended the race, and when she tried to use her medicated spray the bottle exploded and the cyclist must have inhaled the substance at that time.
Whats next, “I was in the peloton when several riders were trying to urinate off their bikes and some must have gotten on and soaked through my skin.”
A good question is why asthma meds are on the controlled substance list anyway. They are not a performance enhancer for people without asthma.
I do not agree with that statement. Some of them are serious stimulants. I have had asthma medication prescribed for respiratory illness/infection. It certainly can be a performance inhancer.
Maybe that is true for some asthma meds, but my understanding is that the more commonly prescribed meds are not performance enhancing (stimulant = side effect, which doctors generally try to minimize).
Agree that I shouldn’t have made a blanket statement about ALL asthma medications, though.
I agree with you, but, this one sure sounds like a stimulant:
GENERIC NAME: FENOTEROL INHALATION SOLUTION - ORAL (fen-OH-ter-ohl)
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage USES: This medication is used to treat acute asthma and other lung problems in which the air passages can become narrowed. HOW TO USE: Learn how to properly use this drug and maintain the breathing device. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. The medicine is generally breathed in over a 15 minute period or as directed. Breath quietly and slowly from the machine for the maximum benefit. Use as directed (generally only as needed). Dosage is based on your condition and response. Do not use more of this medication than prescribed. If the effects of a dose last for less than 3 hours or your medicines are not working as well as usual, seek immediate medical attention. Also promptly report increased use of this drug. These are signs of worsening breathing problems. If you are using this drug on a regular schedule without any other breathing medicines, consult your doctor or pharmacist. SIDE EFFECTS: Shakiness, nervousness, dizziness, headache, or cough may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly: chest pain, fast or slow pulse. Very unlikely but report promptly: muscle cramping, unusual weakness. In the unlikely event you have a serious allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist
