The Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) process is a means by which an athlete can obtain approval to use a prescribed prohibited substance or method for the treatment of a legitimate medical condition.
The TUE Process
- Athletes should advise all medical personnel of their obligation to abide by the anti-doping rules of their sport and that any medical treatment received must not violate these rules.
- When prescribed a substance or method, athletes should check if that medication is prohibited by checking the Global Drug Reference Online system www.globaldro.co.uk
- If the medication is not prohibited, athletes can start using the prescribed medication or treatment.
- If the medication is prohibited, athletes should check with their prescribing physician or the sport’s medical personnel if there are any alternative medications or treatments that are permitted.
- If there are no permitted alternatives, athletes should contact their National Governing Body (NGB) to find out what type of exemption is required and if a TUE should be applied for prior to use or after doping control.
What type of exemption to apply for?
ASTHMA TUE
For the beta-2 agonists formoterol and terbutaline the following documentation is required:
- A complete and legible beta-2 agonist application form
- Lung function test results
DECLARATION OF USE
For the following substances:
- salbutamol and salmeterol by inhalation
- glucocorticosteriods by inhalation
- glucocorticosteriods administered by localised injection
- platelet-derived preparations (e.g. platelet rich plasma, “blood spinning”) by non-intramuscular routes
Complete the declaration form online
STANDARD TUE
For all other substances and methods a standard TUE form is required.
The following medical evidence is required:
- History of medical condition
- Evidence of diagnosis (i.e. hospital review letters, test results)
- Alternative permitted medications trialled
When to apply for a TUE
The requirements vary depending on the level of the athlete. Athletes should contact their NGB or UK Anti-Doping to determine whether a TUE is required before or after using a prohibited substance or method.
An athlete not required to apply for a TUE prior to competition can make a Retroactive TUE application to UK Anti-Doping no later than 10 working days following sample collection.
Even if an athlete is eligible to apply for a Retroactive TUE, checks should be made with the prescribing physician that the criteria and medical evidence needed by the Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee (TUEC) can be met before using any Prohibited Substance or Method
Where to send the TUE application
Where an athlete sends their TUE application depends on their sport and level of competition.
For the majority of sports, athletes competing at an international level will be required to submit their TUE application to the International Federation (IF) of their sport. National level athletes should submit their application to either their NGB or to UK Anti-Doping.
Post:
TUE
UK Anti-Doping
Oceanic House
1a Cockspur Street
London SW1Y 5BG
Confidential Fax: 0800 298 3362
E-mail: tue@ukad.org.uk
NB. A TUE granted by the UK TUEC may not be acknowledged by the IF. It is the responsibility of the athlete to understand the expectation of the IF or event organiser prior to competing.
IF’s may have different requirements surrounding TUE applications. They may have a specific form and request different information. It is advisable to make contact with your NGB anti-doping office in the first instance.
Remember
- Medical evidence to justify the use of a prohibited substance or method must be attached to the application form. A TUE application without medical evidence will not be reviewed by the UK TUEC.
- For further information - download a copy of the UK Anti-Doping TUE application form
- Keep a copy of the TUE application and proof of sending
TUE Form
- Download a copy of the UK Anti-Doping TUE application form here
- Download a copy of UK Anti-Doping's Asthma TUE application form here
- Download a copy of the TUE criteria here
