INDUSTRY NOTICE
Warning on the use of hydrocortisone sodium succinate (Solu-Cortef) within 48 hours of racing.
As from 1 October 2009, a new testing method will be introduced by the Australian racing laboratories which will allow the direct detection of hydrocortisone hemisuccinate (arising from the use of hydrocortisone sodium succinate) in blood and urine. This method does not require quantitative measurement of the hydrocortisone concentration and the application of the urinary threshold specified in AR.178C (1)(f).
The method detects recent use of the human prescription medicine Solu-Cortef whose active ingredient is hydrocortisone sodium succinate and which therefore should not be used within 48 hours of racing. This method can be extended to cover other injectable forms of hydrocortisone although none of these are currently registered for use in Australia.
Industry participants are therefore advised to avoid the use of hydrocortisone sodium succinate within the 48 hours prior to racing, and are also advised that the detection of hydrocortisone hemisuccinate in a blood or urine sample at any concentration constitutes a breach of the Australian Rules of Racing. Further, the urinary threshold for hydrocortisone in AR 178C(1)(f) does not apply to hydrocortisone hemisuccinate.
