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).

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    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 via 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.  To learn more 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.

    Remember to apply as early as possible

    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 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.
    • 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.