Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs)

What is a TUE?

Athletes may have illnesses or conditions that require them to take particular medications or to use particular methods of treatment. If the medication an Athlete is required to take to treat an illness or condition is included on the WADA Prohibited List, a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) gives that Athlete the authorization to take the needed medicine so long as the Athlete fulfills all the mandatory criteria to do so.

The IPF processes all TUE applications in accordance with the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE).

When should I apply for a TUE?

You should apply for a TUE as soon as you are prescribed the medication, prior to using the medication. For substances prohibited In-Competition only, you should apply for a TUE at least thirty (30) days before your next Competition, unless it is an emergency or exceptional situation.

NOTE: Some Major Event Organization may require that you apply for a TUE directly with them. If you are competing in a Major Event (multi-sport competition), make sure to verify the anti-doping rules for the competition.

What are the criteria you must fulfill in order to obtain a TUE?

The following 4 criteria must be met in order for a TUE to be granted (for more details, please refer to the WADA International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE) Article 4.2):

• The athlete would experience significant health problems without taking the prohibited substance or method;
• The therapeutic use of the substance would not produce significant enhancement of performance;
• There is no reasonable therapeutic alternative to the use of the otherwise prohibited substance or method;
• The requirement to use that substance or method is not due to the prior use of the substance or method without a TUE which was prohibited at the time of use.

For more information and access to the TUE Application Form, please contact Robert Keller.