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Substances: About Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs)

» Standard TUE process

If an athlete suffers a medical condition that a doctor can only treat with a prohibited substance, he or she must check whether a standard TUE is permitted under the relevant National Sporting Organisation (NSO) anti-doping policy.

Before using any prohibited substances athletes must contact their NSO to determine whether their sport's anti-doping rules allow for standard TUEs.

If the NSO allows the therapeutic use of prohibited substances the athlete must strictly adhere to the approval procedures.

More information on standard TUEs and access to standard TUE application forms can be found on the ASADA website and the Australian Sports Drug Medical Advisory Committee (ASDMAC) website.

» Abbreviated Therapeutic Use Exemption (ATUE) process

The World Anti-Doping Code has standard procedures for ATUEs.

Athletes who require the legitimate use of the substances below need to apply to their relevant NSO for an ATUE.

Substances subject to the ATUE process include:

• Inhaled Beat-2 Agonists - asthma medications
  Asthma medications subject to the ATUE process include formoterol, salbutamol, salmeterol, or terbutaline.
• Glucocorticosteroids - non-systemic administration
  Glucocorticosteroids are contained in some anti-inflammatory preparations. They are subject to an ATUE if administered via the following routes: anal, aural, inhalation, intra-articular, nasal or ophthalmological. Note that glucocorticosteroids applied topically (including skin creams, eye drops, topical mouth applications, nasal sprays and ear drops) are permitted without an ATUE.

TUE and ATUE requirements for glucocorticosteroids vary according to the route of administration. Please check the Glucocorticosteroids: Routes of administration [ PDF - 41 Kb] chart for more details.

More information on these substances is available in the 2006 Prohibited List and 2006 Summary of Modifications from the WADA website.

WADA has designed an Abbreviated TUE form [ PDF - 130kb] for athletes to complete prior to using an inhaled asthma medication or non-systemic glucocorticosteroid.

Athletes should always check with their NSO's medical officer to ensure they are following the correct ATUE procedure.

* Completed and signed ATUE forms must be sent to the athlete's relevant NSO, not to ASADA or ASDMAC.

 

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