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.
After an evidentiary hearing on June 25, 2026, an independent arbitrator decided that weightlifting athlete Chase Zilcosky will receive a two-year sanction. Zilcosky tested positive for amphetamine, a stimulant used to treat conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Narcolepsy, in the VIRUS Weightlifting Finals on December 4, 2025. Amphetamine is prohibited in competition under the USDA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policy, and the International Weightlifting Federation Anti-Doping Rules. All of these entities have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List. The independent arbitrator concluded that Zilcosky had a prescription for amphetamine, declared amphetamine on his Doping Control Form during sample collection, and submitted a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) application prior to his positive test. Because Zilcosky was considered a Recreational-Level Athlete under USADA's TUE Policy, he was only required to apply for a TUE after testing positive. However, the TUE application he submitted was incomplete and could not be processed. Although USADA notified him of the deficiencies and provided additional time to correct them, he failed to submit a complete application. Under the USADA TUE Policy, an athlete has the responsibility to demonstrate that the therapeutic need to treat an acute or chronic medical condition satisfies the strict criteria within the World Anti-Doping Agency International Standard for TUEs (ISTUE). The two-year period of ineligibility began on December 19, 2025. In addition, Zilcosky has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and after December 4, 2025, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes. The USADA provides comprehensive instructions on its website on the testing process, prohibited substances, and how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication. The USADA makes available various other ways to educate parents, coaches, and medical professionals in understanding the rules. Checking the various educational avenues provided, understanding the rules, and comprehending the banned substances list can be overwhelming tasks. ESP will continually check the rules and regulations, and banned substances lists for you to keep you informed. ESP will also assist the athlete in completing the TUE application to obtain approval to take medically necessary drugs, ensuring you stay in compliance.
On June 17, 2026, the USADA announced that Hanna Digenis, a weightlifting athlete, will be assessed a three-month period of ineligibility for an anti-doping rule violation. Digenis tested positive for Carboxy-THC, a metabolite of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis, marijuana, and hashish, above the urinary decision limit. The sample was collected in-competition at the 2026 Virus Weightlifting Series I competition on March 6, 2026. Cannabis, marijuana, and hashish are in the class of Cannabinoids. They are only tested for and prohibited in-competition under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and the International Weightlifting Federation Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List. THC is classified under a special category that allows for a reduced three-month sanction if the athlete establishes that their use of the substance occurred out-of-competition and was unrelated to sport performance. The sanction may be further reduced to one moth if the athlete satisfactorily completes a treatment program approved by USADA. Digenis qualified for a reduced sanction because her use occurred out-of-competition and was unrelated to sport performance. Her three-month ineligibility began on March 26, 2026. In addition, Digenis has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on March 6, 2026, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes. WADA seeks input on each year's updated version of the Prohibited List. USADA has advocated and will continue to advocate to WADA to treat marijuana in a fairer and more effective way to identify true in-competition use. ESP will keep you informed of the risks associated with any drug you consume. ESP will continually review the banned substances lists and updates to the guidelines surrounding the lists to keep you well informed.
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 2022 season and missed the first 33 games of the 2023 season. Any games the Padres played in the 2022 postseason counted toward the suspension, which reduced the number of games he had to sit out in 2023. "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.
Unfortunate incidents occur with OTC and prescription drugs. Athletes are concerned about the uncertainty of exactly what's in OTC products and improper education about prescription drugs. Because of this, athletes stop taking their medications resulting in needless suffering. Ultimately this is reflected in athletes' performances as well as being very detrimental to their health. Athletes can't keep up with the ever-changing rules and changing banned drug lists. They need a support system to keep them informed.
A better job of education can be accomplished by utilizing a pharmacist for live interactions to answer any questions you have before you take the medication. The mere suspicion of doping can have a negative impact on the longevity of an athlete's career. EJ Sports Pharmacy can assist you in becoming thoroughly knowledgeable about the medications you take for short-term and long-term medical conditions. Allow ESP to provide you the personal attention you deserve.