Safe Medicine Use for Athletes

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Medicines are commonly used in sports to help manage pain and inflammation. Athletes may also use medications to treat health conditions such as asthma or diabetes, as well as common illnesses like colds, allergies, cough, congestion, diarrhea, or skin infections.

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Before taking any medication, athletes should talk with their healthcare provider to understand:

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• How to use the medicine correctly

• The proper dose and timing

• Possible side effects

• How the medicine may affect training or performance

Athletes should also discuss any supplements, including vitamins, iron, or products marketed to improve athletic performance, with a healthcare provider before use.

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General Guidelines for Medicine Use in Sports

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• Medicines should be only one part of an overall treatment plan. Sports injuries should be properly diagnosed and treated by addressing both the cause of the injury and the symptoms.

• Do not take more than one nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) at the same time. NSAIDs may be used with acetaminophen if recommended, but NSAIDs should always be taken with food, even if it is only a small snack.

• Pain medicine may help with discomfort from injuries, but it can sometimes hide warning signs and allow an athlete to continue activity before the injury has healed.

• Long-term use of pain or inflammation medicines should only occur under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Athletes using these medications regularly should have routine checkups to monitor for side effects.

• Always follow dosing instructions on the medication label or from your healthcare provider.

• Never share or use someone else’s prescription medication, even if the condition seems similar.

• Supplements should be treated with the same caution as medicines because they can affect the body and may have side effects.

Athletes who participate in drug testing should be aware that some prescription and nonprescription medicines may contain substances restricted in sports competitions. Check current rules and banned substance lists through organizations such as the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

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Nonprescription (Over-the-Counter) Medicines

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Nonprescription medicines can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription, but that does not mean they are risk-free. They should still be used carefully and according to directions.

Common OTC medicines used in sports include:

NSAIDs

Examples include:

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• Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®)

• Naproxen (Aleve®)

NSAIDs help reduce pain and inflammation (swelling).

Acetaminophen

Example:

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• Tylenol®

Acetaminophen helps relieve pain but does not reduce swelling or inflammation.

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NSAIDs may be helpful for overuse injuries such as tendonitis, bursitis, shin splints, or arthritis. However, for some acute injuries, such as sprains, strains, or fractures, prolonged NSAID use may delay healing. Short-term use may be appropriate in some cases, but athletes should follow guidance from a healthcare provider.

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Possible Side Effects of NSAIDs

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NSAIDs can cause side effects, including:

• Stomach upset

• Gastritis (stomach irritation)

• Ulcers

• Increased risk of bleeding after cuts, bruises, muscle injuries, or head injuries

• Kidney or liver problems with long-term use

Athletes who are dehydrated or have kidney or liver conditions should avoid NSAIDs unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider.

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When to See a Doctor

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Medicine alone is rarely enough to treat a sports injury. Other treatments may include:

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• Rest

• Ice

• Compression

• Elevation

• Bracing or immobilization

• Physical therapy or other rehabilitation

Because pain medicines can hide symptoms, continuing to play through an injury may make the problem worse.

Athletes should talk with a healthcare provider if:

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• Pain or swelling does not improve

• An injury keeps coming back

• A medication is needed in order to participate in sports

• They need to use pain or anti-inflammatory medicine for an extended period

Using medications safely can help athletes recover while protecting their long-term health and performance.