UFC Anti-Doping Program

UFC Anti-Doping Program logo.

Search Medications & Ingredients

Not a UFC Athlete? Click Here to visit USADA.org

Athlete Login >

Medication Search>

YOUR ANTI-DOPING CHECKLIST FOR PLANNED AND EMERGENCY HOSPITAL TREATMENTS

For many athletes, both planned and emergency hospital visits for treatment and surgery may be particularly necessary because of sports injuries and sports-related surgeries. However, athletes who competed in sanctioned events must take certain steps to account for anti-doping rules, which prohibit substances and methods that may be used during treatment or surgery at a hospital.

There are different steps to take for planned and emergency hospital treatments, but athletes’ health and well-being must always remain the top priority. Consequently, emergency medical care should never be withheld on grounds that the substance or method is prohibited. Keep in mind that all the decisions about your medical care are between you and your physician.

Use the checklists below to address your anti-doping responsibilities before a planned hospital visit, or during and after an emergency visit.

PLANNED HOSPITAL VISIT FOR TREATMENT OR SURGERY

  • Before meeting with your physician to finalize a treatment plan, download a TUE application form and bring it to your appointment in case you need to apply for a TUE.
  • Talk with your physician about the recommended treatment. Make sure your doctors and nurses know that you are an athlete subject to drug testing and that you would like to check the prohibited status of all medications and methods that you may receive during treatment.
  • Search for the medications on UFCGlobalDRO.com or contact the Drug Reference Line at 719-785-2000 (option 2) or by emailing UFCdrugreference@usada.org to find out if any of the medications are prohibited. USADA can also help you determine if any of the methods are prohibited.
    REMEMBER: For IV infusion/injection information, please review the IV Infusion Explanatory Note.
  • If the proposed substances or methods are prohibited, ask your physician if any non-prohibited alternatives are appropriate for your treatment. You can find non-prohibited alternatives for most medications by searching UFCGlobalDRO.com.
  • If you need to use a medication that is prohibited at all times, you must apply for a TUE.
  • Submit the TUE to USADA in advance of your treatment involving a prohibited substance or method. Let USADA know when your surgery (or other treatment) will take place.
  • Before meeting with your physician to finalize a treatment plan, download a TUE application form and bring it to your appointment in case you need to apply for a TUE.

EMERGENCY HOSPITAL TREATMENT OR SURGERY

  • Your health is the top priority, but if you are able, inform your physicians and nurses that you are an athlete subject to drug testing and let them know that you will need to get copies of all clinical notes listing the medications that you received during your treatment.
  • If it provides peace of mind, you or a representative can contact USADA’s Drug Reference department to let them know that you are receiving emergency medical treatment. You and your physicians should determine the best medical care, so DO NOT CONTACT USADA TO APPROVE TREATMENT. The goal of notifying USADA is to allow us to help you get all the necessary paperwork for a TUE application if a TUE is needed. It is not required to notify USADA at this stage.
  • When you have time or when you are released from the hospital (whichever comes first) check all of your medications on UFCGlobalDRO.com or call Athlete Express to determine if a TUE is required.
  • If you received a prohibited medication during treatment, USADA will help you apply for an Emergency TUE. When you’re being discharged from the hospital, it’s also helpful to request a complete copy of the hospital medical records to accelerate the TUE process.

Learn more about Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE)

Scroll to Top