Therapeutic Use Exemption

Situations may arise where an athlete who is subject to Anti-Doping Rules has an illness or condition that requires them to use a medication that contains a prohibited substance or method listed in the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Prohibited List. A TUE gives an athlete the necessary permission to legitimately use a prohibited substance or method to compete in sport without committing an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) with applicable consequence(s). A TUE is valid for a specified period. Applications for TUE are evaluated and approved by a TUE Committee (TUEC). It is documented and its use is monitored to avoid abuse or misuse.

TUEs are granted according the International Standard for TUEs (ISTUE), a document outlining the conditions, the stakeholder responsibilities and the TUE process.

What are the Criteria for Granting a TUE?

An athlete MUST fulfill the following before a TUE can be granted:

• The medical condition must be clearly diagnosed and shows that treatment requires the use of a prohibited substance or method.
• The medical/therapeutic use of the substance or method will not, on the balance of probabilities, significantly enhance the performance of the athletes beyond his/her normal state of health.
• The prohibited substance or method is indicated in the treatment of the medical condition, and there is no reasonable permitted alternative.
• The need to use the substance or method is not due to the prior use (without a TUE) of a substance or method which was prohibited at the time of use.

Do You Need A TUE?

It is the responsibility of an athlete to know and understand all about the TUE. It is the responsibility of an athlete to know when they need a TUE:

• When you visit a physician, make sure you tell the physician that you are an athlete, that you are bound to anti-doping rules and there are substances and methods that cannot be used for you except you get an authorization.
• You and your physician(s) should check the WADA Prohibited List for the substance/method you are prescribed if it is prohibited.
• You can also use an online "Check Your Medication" tool like the Global DRO to check the status of your prescription and over-the-counter medications or ask your National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) to advise you on the medication.
• If the substance or method you want or need to use is prohibited, ask the physician for non-prohibited alternatives, if there are none then apply for a TUE.
• You can contact the National Anti-Doping Committee or your Federation if you are difficulties or questions.

What If I Need to Renew My TUE?

Each TUE has a specific duration, at the end of which it expires automatically. Should you need to continue to use the prohibited substance or method, it is your responsibility to submit a new application for a TUE with updated medical information ahead of the expiry date, so that there is sufficient time for a decision to be made prior to the expiry of the current TUE.