Athletes warned of perils of stimulant drug-taking

By Cai Wenjun  |   2008-6-17  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

LOCAL drug stores have been told to take notes of their customers' names, addresses and phone numbers when they buy medicine and ointments which contain stimulants but are not prescribed drugs.

In some stores around Shanghai Stadium, which is hosting Olympic Games football matches, buyers are even being asked whether they are athletes.

In addition, the invoice for medicines containing stimulants must be stamped or printed with a warning for athletes.

Officials said such warnings can be found on the packaging of medicines with chemicals banned by the sports industry after May, when the national government tightened administration and management on medicine production and sales.

"It is not a regional action but a nationwide campaign to protect athletes from taking medicines containing stimulants by mistake, especially during the Olympic Games," said Du Bing, an official from Shanghai Food and Drug Administration.

"Doping is one of top concerns of the government and sports community. Those failing to follow the requirement can have their licenses withdrawn."

According to Jin Yi, vice director of the Luwan District Food and Drug Administration, the inspection of such medicines was a long-term project.

"Most medicines containing stimulants have been ranked as prescribed medicines," Jin said. "For the remaining medicines which can still be bought without doctor's prescription, drug stores are ordered to leave customer's information. The authority is launching spot checks these days."