Some athletes may have illnesses or conditions that require them to take particular medications that may be prohibited in sport. A Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) is granted by an Anti-Doping Organization (such as the IPC) and provides approval to an athlete to take a needed medication to treat an illness or condition that is prohibited in sport under the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC) Prohibited List (Prohibited List).

In sport, the term ‘strict liability’ in anti-doping matters essentially means that it is the athlete’s responsibility to ensure that anything he/she puts into his/her body is not in breach of anti-doping regulations. Therefore, athletes taking medication must ensure that the substance in the medication is not listed on the Prohibited List or in breach of the relevant International Federations (IF) anti-doping rules. 

The following documents may be able to assist an athlete and/or NPC in understanding the current rules surrounding the Therapeutic Use Exemption Process.

For more information on TUEs, please visit the sections below:

• IPC TUE Application & Notification Form (PDF version)

• Abbreviated TUEs
• How to tell if a Medication is Prohibited or Not
• Applying to the IPC for a TUE
• Where to send TUEs

• TUE FAQs

BEIJING 2008 Paralympic Games

• Info Sheet - TUE Management
  

For more information on TUEs, the IPC Anti-Doping Code is available from the IPC or relevant NPC. Article 6 details all rules and regulations regarding TUEs.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has a variety of information available on their website, specifically for athletes, at www.wada-ama.org

Please note:  It is the athlete who will suffer from an incorrectly completed application. An anti-doping rule violation may result if the substance is detected after sample collection without approval. Athletes are advised to treat the matter of TUEs very seriously and in all instances seek expert advice.

For more information, please contact:

Sophie Berwick
IPC Anti-Doping Administration Manager
Adenauerallee 212 - 214
53113 Bonn, Germany
Phone: +49-228-2097-130
Fax: +49-228-2097-209
E-mail: antidoping@paralympic.org