WADA 2025 Prohibited List: WADA has announced its 2025 Prohibited List, effective January 1, 2025. To comply, athletes worldwide must be informed of revisions to this key document listing banned substances and techniques.
The list has numerous notable changes this year. WADA has increased examples of non-approved substances, hormone and metabolic modulators, diuretics, masking agents, and stimulants. This helps athletes and support staff identify banned substances.
A common asthma medicine, formoterol, changed significantly. The maximum daily dose stays the same, but dosing intervals have changed. Formoterol users should consult doctors to ensure their therapy meets new requirements.
WADA also clarified blood transfusion restrictions. Certain medical techniques allow blood collection, storage, and transfusion.
Hydrafinil is now a non-specified stimulant, but guanfacine is legal. Snow sports like ski jumping and snowboarding halfpipe/big air now allow beta-blockers.
The Prohibited List underpins anti-doping efforts to ensure fair play and athlete health. It includes substances banned at all times, in competition, and in certain sports.
The athletes are accountable for any banned substances in their bodies. Medical patients need a Therapeutic Use Exemption. WADA advises athletes to see doctors and use Global DRO to monitor drugs and stay informed.
WADA’s website has the whole 2025 Prohibited List in many languages. To avoid accidental antidoping rule infractions, athletes should review the modifications.
WADA 2025 Prohibited List
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| S0: Non-approved substances | – |
| S1: Anabolic agents | Testosterone, Nandrolone |
| S2: Peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances, and mimetics | EPO, Growth Hormone |
| S3: Beta-2 agonists | Salbutamol, Formoterol |
| S4: Hormone and metabolic modulators | Tamoxifen, Meldonium |
| S5: Diuretics and masking agents | Furosemide, Probenecid |
| S6: Stimulants | Amphetamine, Cocaine |
| S7: Narcotics | Morphine, Oxycodone |
| S8: Cannabinoids | THC, Marijuana |
| S9: Glucocorticoids | Prednisone, Dexamethasone |
| M1: Manipulation of blood and blood components | Blood doping, Transfusions |
| M2: Chemical and physical manipulation | Tampering with doping control |
| M3: Gene doping | Use of gene therapy techniques |
Key Changes in the 2025 Prohibited List
- Additional examples of prohibited substances: WADA has added further examples to the following categories to provide more clarity for athletes and their support personnel:
- S0. Non-approved substances
- S4. Hormones and metabolic modulators
- S5. Diuretics and masking agents
- S6. Stimulants
- Updated dosing intervals for formoterol: While the maximum daily delivered dose remains the same, the dosing intervals for formoterol have been changed.
- Clarification regarding blood transfusions: The collection, storage, and transfusion of blood or blood components are now permitted under specific conditions.
- Reclassification of hydrafinil: hydrafinil has been reclassified as a non-specified stimulant.
- Clarification regarding guanfacine: Guanfacine has been clarified as not prohibited.
Categories of Prohibited Substances and Methods
The 2025 Prohibited List is divided into the following categories:
- Substances prohibited at all times (in- and out-of-competition):
- S0. Non-approved substances
- S1. Anabolic agentsS2. Peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances, and mimetics
- S3. Beta-2 agonists
- S4. Hormones and metabolic modulators
- S5. Diuretics and masking agents
- Substances prohibited in competition:
- S6. Stimulants
- S7. Narcotics
- S8. Cannabinoids
- S9. Glucocorticoids
- Substances prohibited in particular sports:
- P1. Beta-blockers
- Prohibited methods at all times (in and out of competition):
- M1. Manipulation of blood and blood components
- M2. Chemical and physical manipulation
- M3. Gene and cell doping
Important Notes for Athletics
- Responsibility: Athletes are responsible for any prohibited substances found in their bodies, regardless of how they entered their system.
- Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs): Athletes who need to use a prohibited substance or method for a legitimate medical condition must obtain a TUE.
- Check medications: Athletes should always check the status of any medication they are taking to ensure it does not contain any prohibited substances.
- Consult with medical professionals: Athletes should consult with their medical professionals and anti-doping organizations for guidance and support.
Where to Find the Full 2025 Prohibited List
The full 2025 Prohibited List is available on WADA’s website in English, French, and Spanish:
