Final rule on implementing Anabolic Steroid Control Act issued

The Drug Enforcement Administration has issued a final rule to conform its regulations to the provision of the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004. Effective Jan. 20, 2005, the act amended the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and replaced the existing definition of anabolic steroid with a new one. This new definition altered the basis for all future administrative scheduling actions relating to the control of anabolic steroids as Schedule III controlled substances by eliminating the requirement to prove muscle growth. Additionally, the act lists 59 specific substances as being anabolic steroids. The rule will become effective on Jan. 17.