Therapeutic
Use Exemption.
Your health.
Your right to compete.
Sometimes, the treatment you need involves a prohibited substance or method. A Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) helps protect your health while you meet your anti-doping responsibilities.
Photo: Unsplash
Medical treatment.
With the right approval.
A TUE is an official approval to use an otherwise prohibited substance or method for a legitimate medical reason, subject to the applicable anti-doping rules.
Athletes can develop illnesses or medical conditions that need treatment. If that treatment appears on WADA’s Prohibited List, a TUE may be required. Your application is assessed by a Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee (TUEC).
Tell your treating doctor that you are an athlete subject to anti-doping rules before discussing medication or treatment.
Four criteria.
All must be met.
The committee assesses your medical evidence against the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE).
A diagnosed medical need
Clinical evidence must support the diagnosis and the need for the prohibited treatment.
No added performance advantage
Treatment should restore your normal health without enhancing performance beyond that level.
No reasonable permitted alternative
The treatment must be appropriate, with no reasonable permitted therapeutic alternative.
No link to prior prohibited use
The need must not arise from earlier use of a substance or method that was prohibited at the time, without a TUE.
Criteria summarised from ISTUE Article 4.2.
Apply before
you need to use it.
In most cases, apply for and receive approval before using a prohibited substance or method.
Your TUE.
Step by step.
You and your treating doctor prepare the application. ADAMAS coordinates the assessment by the TUE Committee.
Consult your doctor
Your doctor confirms the medical condition, explains the treatment needed and prepares the supporting medical evidence.
Prepare your application
Complete the TUE application with your doctor. Include the requested medical documents and signatures.
Submit to ADAMAS
For applications under ADAMAS’s authority, send your completed application to tue_adamas@kbs.gov.my.
The committee reviews
The TUE Committee evaluates your complete application against the approval criteria. Further information may be requested.
Receive your decision
ADAMAS communicates the outcome and records the decision in ADAMS. If approved, follow the conditions and validity period stated in your TUE.
Before you
take the next step.
A few practical questions about treatment and TUE approval.
Does a doctor’s prescription count as a TUE?
No. A prescription is not TUE approval. If your treatment involves a prohibited substance or method, check the TUE requirements with ADAMAS.
What if I need emergency treatment?
Get the urgent care you need. Keep your medical records and contact ADAMAS as soon as possible about a retroactive application.
What should I check after approval?
Check the approved treatment, dose, route and validity period. Contact the approving authority if your treatment changes.
Does my TUE renew automatically?
No. Apply for a new TUE well before the expiry date if you need to continue the treatment.
Start with the TUE team.
Need help with the process or the right authority? Contact ADAMAS for guidance.
tue_adamas@kbs.gov.myInformation is subject to the applicable World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards. References: ADAMAS TUE guidance · WADA ISTUE.