THERAPEUTIC USE EXEMPTIONS

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) is responsible for administering Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) for International Level athletes, as defined under World Athletics Anti-Doping rules. 

AS AN ATHLETE, IT IS IMPORTANT YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT A THERAPEUTIC USE EXEMPTION IS, AND WHEN AND HOW TO APPLY FOR ONE.

WHAT IS A THERAPEUTIC USE EXEMPTION (TUE)? 

Athletes may have illnesses or conditions that require them to take medications or undergo procedures. If the medication or method an athlete is required to use to treat an illness or condition is prohibited as per the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Prohibited List, a TUE may authorise that athlete to use that substance or method while competing without invoking an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) and applicable sanction. Applications for TUEs are evaluated by a panel of physicians — the TUE Committee (TUEC). 

  • A Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) is an official medical document giving an athlete permission to take a medication that is ordinarily prohibited for the treatment of a legitimate condition. It is only valid for a given period of time. 
  • It is a documented medical file approved by a TUE Committee accepting that there is a legitimate need to take medication and no equal alternative available.
  • It permits the athlete to take the defined medication while competing without them registering a doping offence.
  • The use of TUEs is carefully monitored to avoid any abuse or manipulation.
  • It is NOT a drug or a medication. 

WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA FOR GRANTING A TUE?

All of the four following criteria must be met:  

  1. The athlete has a clear diagnosed medical condition, which requires treatment using a prohibited substance or method;
  2. The therapeutic use of the substance will not, on the balance of probabilities, produce significant enhancement of performance beyond the athlete’s normal state of health;
  3. The prohibited substance or method is an indicated treatment for the medical condition, and there is no reasonable permitted therapeutic alternative;
  4. The necessity to use that substance or method is not the consequence of the prior use (without a TUE), of a substance or method which was prohibited at the time of use.

For more details please refer to the WADA International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE) Article 4.2.

DO I NEED A TUE ?

Athletes who are subject to anti-doping rules would need a TUE, in case they have to take a prohibited substance or use a prohibited method for therapeutic purposes.

First, check if the required medication or method you intend to take or use is prohibited as per the WADA Prohibited List.

You may also use a "check your medication" online tool. Alternatively, ask your National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) if they recommended an online tool or have other ways of checking.    

You have a responsibility to inform your physician(s) that you are an athlete bound to anti-doping rules. You and your physician(s) should check the Prohibited List for the substance/method you are prescribed. If the substance/method is prohibited, discuss non-prohibited alternatives, if there are none, apply for a TUE.  

Remember Athletes have the ultimate responsibility. Contact your NADO or the AIU if you have doubts or are having difficulties. 

TUEs – KNOW THE PROCESS

Learn more about the process that is followed while handling a TUE request.  

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Who and When

Learn more about who should apply to the AIU and when they should do it.

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How

Learn about how to apply for a TUE to the AIU.

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Further Resources

Find more information on TUEs.

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