Many athletes experience medication-related problems involving over-the-counter (OTC) and prescribed medications. The necessity for a pharmacist intervention with athletes is crucial because of the detrimental effects inappropriate drug use can have on the health, athleticism, and financial success of the athletes.
In August 2022, Fernando Tatis Jr. was suspended 80 games after testing positive for Clostebol, a performance-enhancing substance in violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The suspension was without pay and effective immediately, meaning Tatis missed the remainder of the season and will miss the first 33 games of the 2023 season. Any games the Padres play in the 2022 postseason will count toward the suspension, which would reduce the number of games he'll have to sit out next year. "I have been informed by Major League Baseball that a test sample I submitted returned a positive result for Clostebol, a banned substance. It turns out that I inadvertently took a medication to treat ringworm that contained Clostebol. I should have used the resources available to me in order to ensure that no banned substances were in what I took. I failed to do so. I want to apologize to Peter [Seidler], A.J. [Preller], the entire Padres organization, my teammates, Major League Baseball, and fans everywhere for my mistake. I have no excuse for my error, and I would never do anything to cheat or disrespect this game I love. I have taken countless drug tests throughout my professional career, including on March 29, 2022, all of which have returned negative results until this test. I am completely devastated. There is nowhere else in the world I would rather be than on the field competing with my teammates. After initially appealing the suspension, I have realized that my mistake was the cause of this result, and for that reason I have decided to start serving my suspension immediately. I look forward to rejoining my teammates on the field in 2023." ESP can be contracted to monitor every medication you use to avoid unfortunate incidences that threaten your career.
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In May 2022, Arizona Cardinals Wide Receiver DeAndre Hopkins was suspended for the first 6 games of the 2022 season for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. In a written statement Hopkins explains, “In my 10-year NFL career, I have never tested positive for using performance enhancing drugs. To learn that my November test came back with trace elements of a banned substance, I was confused and shocked. I am very mindful of what I put in my body and have always taken a holistic approach, so I am working with my team to investigate how this could’ve happened. But even as careful as I have been, clearly I wasn’t careful enough. For that, I apologize to Cardinals fans, my teammates, and the entire Cardinals organization. I never want to let my team down. I fully intend to get to the bottom of this.” ESP can consult with you prior to consuming any drug to avoid incidences like this.