A Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) permits an athlete to use a substance or method that is otherwise prohibited, strictly for legitimate medical treatment.

In Australia, TUEs are managed and approved by the Australian Sports Drug Medical Advisory Committee (ASDMAC).

On this page

    Do I need a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)?

    • Step 1

    Check the substance on the Global DRO website to see if the substance or the method is prohibited. You can also do this through the Sport Integrity App.

    • Step 2

    If the substance or method is prohibited and you need to use the substance – you now need to work out if you need an in-advance or retroactive Therapeutic Use Exemption.

    In-advance Therapeutic Use Exemption

    Only certain, higher-level athletes need to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption in-advance.  Learn who is a higher-level athlete.

    In-advance Therapeutic Use Exemptions need to be applied for before taking the medication (except for emergency situations and hospital visits).

    Retroactive Therapeutic Use Exemption

    Other athletes can apply for a planned retroactive Therapeutic Use Exemption once they have been tested or advised by us that they should apply as a result of an investigation.

    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.

    A TUE cannot be approved if an athlete takes a sibling or teammate's medication for an undiagnosed medical condition.

    A TUE may protect athletes from receiving a sanction if a prohibited substance is found in their sample or advised by Sport Integrity Australia that they can (should) apply as a result of an investigation.

    Things to keep in mind

    • Submitting a TUE application is not a guaranteed approval.
    • Preparing a medical file does not guarantee a Therapeutic Use Exemption will be granted.
    • Using a prohibited substance/method without an approved TUE could result in an Anti-Doping Rule Violation if your TUE is not approved.
    • Not all medications are eligible for a Therapeutic Use Exemption.
    • A TUE cannot be approved for an undiagnosed medical condition.
    • Having a Therapeutic Use Exemption will only guard against a possible anti-doping rule violation if the medication is used as per the Therapeutic Use Exemption.