Melatonin tablets’ manufacturer issues a full statement amidst Iga Swiatek’s doping scandal
Iga Swiatek is officially banned from any competition involving professional tennis for a month due to a failed doping test.
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Iga Swiatek (Image via X)
When the tennis season seemed calm, a new controversy arose. Iga Swiatek, a former World No.1, was banned for one month. The ban came after a positive test for trimetazidine (TMZ), a heart medication prohibited in sports.
Reports claim Swiatek took melatonin to aid recovery and sleep. However, the melatonin was contaminated with TMZ. In an interesting development, the manufacturer has now issued a detailed statement addressing the issue.
Together with the international public and fans of Ms. Iga Swiatek, we are saddened by the situation that has occurred to the world’s best tennis player. We are deeply moved by Ms. Iga Swiatek’s statement dated November 28 2024, not only as employees of the pharmaceutical company, but also as fans of the Polish sports. We are truly sorry that the incident occurred involving the drug Melatonina LEK-AM 1 mg – all the more so because our drug has for many years been appreciated and trusted by doctors and patients, including professional athletes…We follow all procedures related to the production of pharmaceuticals, in accordance with the principles of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulated by EU and national law.
The melatonin tablet manufacturer in the official statement
Swiatek’s suspension started on September 12 and ended on October 4. During this time, she missed three tournaments: the Korea Open, the China Open, and the Wuhan Open. Initially, she said personal reasons kept her away.
Melatonin LEK-AM 1 mg is subject to strict inspection at every stage of production…We kindly inform that ITIA did not contact us directly. We were contacted by a law firm from the UK which, however, did not indicate for whom it works. The representative of the law firm expected us to violate the Polish pharmaceutical law [Art. 36 g (1) (10) of the Pharmaceutical Law Act, Journal of Laws 2024.686] especially with regard to sending medications to unauthorized persons. This has raised our distrust and the lack of our response. From today’s perspective, we would have initiated contact.
The melatonin tablet manufacturer added
Her suspension is almost over, with just eight days left. She will return next Monday. Conveniently, no major tournaments are scheduled during this time.
Similarities between Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek doping scandals
Like Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek faced issues with medication available over the counter in her country. Both athletes found themselves in similar situations due to this.
Both Swiatek and Sinner managed to overturn the usual suspension linked to such violations. They were able to do this by quickly tracing the source of the banned substance. In Swiatek’s case, a WADA-approved lab in Utah confirmed the contamination. This helped her explain the situation clearly and take steps toward resolving it.
On social media, Swiatek expressed happiness about returning to tennis with a “clean slate.” However, she admitted feeling worried about how this might affect her reputation. Sinner had shared similar feelings earlier this year.
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Fahad Hamid
(624 Articles Published)