In June 2012 the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Brazillian amateur rider Fabricio Caldas Albuquergue after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Isometheptene. After notification the Athlete filed a statement in his defence and he was heard for the FEI Tribunal.
The Athlete admitted the violation and explained with evidence that he had used prescribed medication Neosaldina without a TUE as treatment for his headaches and nausea. The Athlete had mentioned the use of this over-the-counter medication on the Doping Control Form and previously had not received anti-doping education.
FEI accepted that the violation was not intentional and that the positive test was the result of the Athlete's use of the prescribed medication.
The Tribunal considered that the Athlete had mentioned the use of this medication on the Doping Control Form and had demonstrated how the prohibited substance had entered his system. Further the Tribunal considers that the Athlete competed as an amateur and that the Isometheptene has a low performance enhancing potential.
Also the Tribunal finds that the Athlete had acted with some degree of negligence since he failed to failed to research his medication before using nor informed his doctor that he was an international level athlete subject to anti-doping testing.
Therefore the FEI Tribunal decides on 23 July 2012 to impose a fine and a 3 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the decision.