Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for the use of a prohibited substance

Elite level athletes should first seek advice regarding the legitimate therapeutic use of a prohibited substance or method via their National Sporting Organisation (NSO) medical officer.  International level athletes may also need to seek advice from their International Federation medical officer.

Abbreviated TUE applications are managed by the NSO not by ASDMAC. ASDMAC manages and considers TUE applications for substances that are subject to the standard TUE application process. The status of substances you are taking can be checked by contacting the ASADA Anti-Doping Hotline on 1800 020 506. The Anti-Doping Hotline is a free, anonymous drugs in sport information service. Athletes and their support staff should contact the Anti-Doping Hotline for advice regarding the status of substances. The Anti-Doping Hotline operator will provide each caller with a call number that can be used as a reference for the advice provided.

Once advice has been sought and the need for a standard TUE has been identified athletes should formally apply to ASDMAC by submitting the ASDMAC Standard TUE application form available below, with the required supporting documentation as per note two on page 2 of the application form.

ASDMAC will only accept applications on the Standard TUE application form below for consideration. All applications are processed as soon as possible, however urgent requests should be marked as such. A full clinical history, investigations and information as to failed treatment with permitted medications will need to be provided, as per note two of the application form. ASDMAC advises all applicants of the committee’s decision once it has considered the Standard TUE application.

Download the ASDMAC standard TUE application form: 'Request for approval for therapeutic use of a prohibited substance'.

» The ASDMAC Standard TUE application form
ASDMAC Form No.1 [ PDF 93 Kb | RTF 1.0 Mb | DOC 282 Kb ]

How to apply for a Standard TUE - step by step

1. Contact the ASADA Anti-Doping Hotline on 1800 020 506 for advice regarding the status of substances. Abbreviated TUE applications are managed by the NSO not by ASDMAC. ASDMAC manages and considers TUE applications for substances that are subject to the standard TUE application process.
2. Complete the ASDMAC standard therapeutic use application form by either downloading it from this web site (as per the links above) or by contacting ASDMAC’s secretariat during office hours on:

Telephone: 02 6222 4232       Fax:02 6222 4262
Email: asdmac@asada.gov.au
Address: PO Box 345 Curtin ACT 2605 Australia

3. The applicant and his or her doctor must complete the form and provide supporting documentation as instructed as per note two on page two of the TUE application form. Sufficient supporting clinical evidence is required before approval can be considered.
4. Submit the ASDMAC Standard TUE application form (as per the form’s instructions) together with all requested supporting documentation. TUE approval cannot be completed until a fully completed and signed TUE application form is received. Please attach and/or forward all relevant medical information that will assist the committee in its consideration of a request.
5. ASDMAC will mail formal confirmation of its TUE decision to the applicant
6. The applicant’s doctor can discuss the TUE application with an ASDMAC member. In emergencies, a provisional TUE approval may be granted over the telephone. Such TUE approvals are subject to conditions.

Urgent and emergency therapeutic use exemptions 
If approval is required in less than seven days (urgent) or treatment must be commenced immediately (emergency) then the procedure below should be followed.

In-office hours (9am-5pm Mon-Fri)

• Phone ASDMAC secretariat on +61 (0)2 6222 4232.
• If necessary, the treating doctor may discuss the case with an ASDMAC member.
• In emergency cases a provisional TUE approval may be given over the phone.
• Such approval may be subject to conditions, particularly:
• the health of the athlete is endangered and the medical condition justifies the treatment and needs immediate application;
• that there is no reasonable permitted therapeutic alternative.
• Approval, if granted, will be formalised when the ASDMAC standard TUE application form and all supporting documentation is submitted to ASDMAC’s secretariat within a specified timeframe.

Out-of-office hours (weekends, public holidays)

• Email asdmac@asada.gov.au or fax the ASDMAC secretariat on +61 (0)2 6222 4262 with full details of the case to be considered including the medication used, condition prescribed for and contact details.
• You will be contacted by the secretariat and the above process will be followed.
• If necessary, the treating doctor may discuss the situation with an ASDMAC member.

Important

In an emergency or urgent situation it is important to remember that the treating medical practitioner should use his or her clinical judgement and treat the patient first. If time is available consideration should be given to the use of a permitted alternative medication.

Abbreviated TUE (ATUE)

Abbreviated TUE applications are managed by the NSO not by ASDMAC. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has designed an ATUE form [Acrobat PDF | 130kb] for athletes to complete prior to using an inhaled asthma medication or certain non-systemic glucocorticosteroids.

Note: As per the World Anti-Doping Code requirements, athletes should use an ATUE process when they require the legitimate use of:

• an inhaled asthma medication (formoterol, salbutamol, salmeterol, terbutaline); or
• glucocorticosteroid
  • All glucocorticosteroids are prohibited when administered orally, rectally, intravenously or intramuscularly. Their use requires a Therapeutic Use Exemption approval.
  • Other routes of administration (intraarticular /periarticular/ peritendinous/ epidural/ intradermal injections and inhalation) require an Abbreviated Therapeutic Use Exemption except as noted below.
  • Topical preparations when used for dermatological (including iontophoresis/phonophoresis), auricular, nasal, ophthalmic, buccal, gingival and perianal disorders are not prohibited and do not require any form of Therapeutic Use Exemption.

  Important: Completed ATUE forms must be sent to the relevant NSO, NOT to ASADA or ASDMAC.

  Athletes should always check with their NSO's medical officer to ensure they are following the correct ATUE procedure.

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