I can’t believe it! Furosemide, commonly known as Lasix, has been banned by Major League Baseball (MLB). As a huge baseball fan, I’m really disappointed to hear this news.
Furosemide has been used for decades to treat horses with respiratory and cardiac issues. But far more often, it was given to horses to treat exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage, or into the trachea to manage bleeding during the races. Recently, the World Anti-Doping Authority (WADA) added Furosemide as a prohibited substance in equine sports. Because of this ruling, Major League Baseball has decided to implement the same ban, prohibiting its use among their players.
But what makes this drug so detrimental to the sport? Well, Furosemide is a diuretic which can be used to hide other prohibited substances, such as performance enhancing drugs. With living mlb hall of famers players already under the microscope for potentially using performance-enhancing drugs, the league has taken a proactive stance by banning this drug to protect the integrity of the sport.
What particularly infuriates me is that some players were able to get around the drug test by using this diuretic. MLB took a huge step in the right direction by instituting this ban, but it’s a shame that this was how the players got around the tests. The sport should be a level playing field and not a game of cat and mouse.
In addition, the use of Furosemide can also cause numerous side effects such as dizziness, dehydration, muscle cramps, and confusion. Not only this, but if abused, it can lead to kidney and liver damage. Clearly, Furosemide isn’t something anyone should be using unless absolutely necessary.
It’s alarming that something like this has to be prohibited because it’s a violation of the players’ health and safety. As athletes first and foremost, they should always be looking out for each other and doing what’s best for their bodies. I commend MLB for making the decision to ban Furosemide, and hope that this issue progresses in the best way possible.
At the end of the day, the decision to ban Furosemide is a step in the right direction. It’s encouraging to see MLB and WADA take the stance to protect the integrity of the sport and maintain a level playing field. Ultimately, it’s now up to the players to follow these regulations and to look after their health.
Another issue with Furosemide that further supports the MLB’s decision to ban it is that it is technically considered performance enhancement. The diuretic helps with fluid retention and can possibly even help reduce fatigue –something that’s already a difficult task in the grueling game of baseball. With that being said, even the slightest edge can make all the difference in the world and this was the regulation cheap mlb jerseys had to implement.
What I find myself asking now is what happened to the days of pure, legitimate MLB games? If MLB is truly looking to protect the integrity of the sport should be addressing the issue of performance enhancement in a much greater capacity. Now is the time for MLB to step up and ensure that their players are abiding by the rules the league has imposed on them.
I’m glad MLB has chosen to ban Furosemide – and I hope it’s a step towards further ensuring safe and fair games. Now it’s time for the league to offer further education to players about the rules and the risks associated with taking things not approved by the Commissioner’s Office.