Therapeutic Use Exemptions

What is a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)?

“Athletes, like all others, may have illnesses or conditions that require them to take particular medications. If the medication an athlete is required to take to treat an illness or condition happens to fall under the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Prohibited List, a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) may give that athlete the authorization to take the needed medicine.”
- World Anti-Doping Agency

Athletes are not automatically granted authorization, and must submit a TUE application to the appropriate governing body.

Go straight to the TUE forms and requirements. 

Under what circumstances will a TUE application be approved?
A TUE application will only be considered by the CCES under the following circumstances:

• the athlete would experience a significant impairment to health if the prohibited substance or method were to be withheld in the course of treating an acute or chronic medical condition;
• the use of the prohibited substance or method would produce no additional enhancement of performance other than that which might be anticipated by a return to a state of normal health following the treatment of a legitimate medical condition; and
• there are no reasonable therapeutic alternatives or other alternatives are ineffective.

Examples include: 

• Insulin for the treatment of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus;
• Beta-2 Agonist inhaler, such as terbutaline, for the treatment of asthma; and
• Methylphenidate for the treatment of ADD or ADHD.

How long is a TUE valid?
TUEs granted by the CCES are valid for the duration of the treatment as prescribed by the physician, up to a maximum of two years, or four years for inhaled asthma medications. It is the athlete’s responsibility to know when the TUE expires and to apply for renewal before this date if necessary.

Who should apply for a TUE?
All athletes who are subject to doping control must be aware of the TUE rules and requirements that apply to them. These rules and requirements will vary depending on the athlete’s level of competition and will determine when and to which organization an athlete must submit a TUE application.

Please determine the athlete’s competition level and read corresponding TUE requirements: