Clean Boxing Program: Arformoterol

Arformoterol, a prescription medication for respiratory treatments like asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), is on the list of prohibited substances by the VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association) and the World Boxing Council’s Clean Boxing Program (CBP).

Its prohibition isn’t just because of the possibility of competitive misuse, but also due to the severe medical risks involved in taking it without clinical supervision. Arformoterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist, and when abused, it can cause arrhythmia, palpitations, tremors, hypertension, severe headaches, and even serious heart complications.

Doctors point out that its improper use increases the risk of tachycardia and muscle spasms, which can have fatal consequences in a contact sport like boxing. Additionally, when combined with high-intensity training, it can lead to cardiovascular collapse, severe dehydration, and respiratory failure.

The Clean Boxing Program emphasizes that the health of boxers is a priority, and therefore, it maintains a strict protocol against substances that, under the pretext of improving lung function, put the physical integrity and life of the athletes at risk.

In this way, both VADA and the WBC reinforce their commitment to clean boxing and, above all, to the safety of fighters, ensuring that no medication compromises their well-being inside or outside the ring.

If you want to see the list of prohibited substances issued by VADA, you can consult the following link:: https://wbcboxing.com/wp-content/uploads/VADA-Prohibited-List-2025.pdf