Therapeutic Use Exemption

What is a Therapeutic Use Exemption?

The Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) process is a means by which an athlete can obtain approval to use a prescribed prohibited substance or method for the treatment of a legitimate medical condition.

There are two types of TUE available:

  • Full TUE – Application for a TUE must be made in advance of using the prohibited medication and, in line with the WADA regulations, is only required for national and international level athlete
  • Retroactive TUE – Athletes who are not national or international level and are using a prohibited medication for therapeutic purposes, apply for a TUE only if and when they are selected for testing

What should I do if I am drug-tested?

Should you be drug-tested before becoming a national or international athlete you should do the following:

  • Note any medication you have used within 7 days of the test on the Doping Control Form.
  • If a UKA Clean Athletics Representative is available at the time of your test, advise them that you may need to submit an emergency retroactive TUE.
  • Contact the UKA Clean Athletics Manager immediately on 07841 504310 for guidance on how to proceed with the retroactive TUE application.

It is important to note that retroactive TUEs are considered against the same criteria as other TUEs and there is no guarantee than an application will be authorised. All TUE applications need to be supported by medical evidence from your GP and it is important that athletes check with their GP that sufficient supporting evidence is available. Information on the criteria and evidence required for granting a TUE can be found here.

Hay Fever TUE Guidelines 2022

UKAD Hay Fever Guidelines – May 2022

UKAD Hay Fever Resource Sheet