What is a TUE, and does my child need one before taking a prescribed medicine?

Question

Accepted Answer

A Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) gives permission to use a prohibited substance or method for a genuine medical condition. Whether you need one in advance depends on the athlete's level. Athlete When to apply National-Level (professional SA licence, in the SAIDS testing pool, or competing in listed national events or selection events) In advance, before taking the medicine. Have it in place 7 days before an event, and apply as soon as you are selected for a national team. International-Level (as set by the sport's international federation) In advance, under the international federation's rules. All other athletes, including most school and recreational athletes A retroactive TUE is allowed: apply only if you are tested while using a prohibited medicine for therapeutic reasons. SAIDS recommends that athletes who qualify for a retroactive TUE keep their medical records ready in case they are tested. How it works: applications go to SAIDS on its TUE application form. SAIDS's Therapeutic Use Exemption Commission (TUEC) decides each application under WADA's International Standard for TUEs. A refused TUE can be appealed (Article 4.4.6). A TUE expires at the end of the period it was granted for. SAIDS can be reached on (021) 686 1634.

Athlete	When to apply
National-Level (professional SA licence, in the SAIDS testing pool, or competing in listed national events or selection events)	In advance, before taking the medicine. Have it in place 7 days before an event, and apply as soon as you are selected for a national team.
International-Level (as set by the sport's international federation)	In advance, under the international federation's rules.
All other athletes, including most school and recreational athletes	A retroactive TUE is allowed: apply only if you are tested while using a prohibited medicine for therapeutic reasons.

Athlete	When to apply
National-Level (professional SA licence, in the SAIDS testing pool, or competing in listed national events or selection events)	In advance, before taking the medicine. Have it in place 7 days before an event, and apply as soon as you are selected for a national team.
International-Level (as set by the sport's international federation)	In advance, under the international federation's rules.
All other athletes, including most school and recreational athletes	A retroactive TUE is allowed: apply only if you are tested while using a prohibited medicine for therapeutic reasons.