THERAPEUTIC USE EXEMPTION [TUE]
THERAPEUTIC USE EXEMPTION [TUE]
The regulations allowing players to use asthma inhalers [Beta-2 Agonists such as
Salbutamol/Ventolin; Terbutaline/Bricanyl] have become much stricter with effect
from the beginning of the season.
Last season’s Abbreviated Therapeutic Use Exemption [ATUE] no longer applies and
players must apply for a specific Therapeutic Use Exemption [TUE] for the use of
asthma inhalers. Current ATUEs are only valid until January 2010. Failure to
comply with the new regulations may result in a player receiving a two year ban
from playing rugby following a positive drug test. Theoretically it is possible
to apply for retrospective approval after a positive test but a player would
only have a two week period of grace before they would be banned from playing.
The approval process, described below, is time-consuming and complicated and
therefore it is not worth the risk. Accordingly the advice to players must be to
get a TUE as soon as possible.
Players should not use asthma inhalers on a casual basis, one puff can give a
positive result - - players should only use one if they have a TUE.
Players must submit:
a] A detailed medical history
and clinical review completed by their GP.
b] The results of broncho-dilator
tests. The player’s GP’s surgery may be able to complete these tests. The
criteria for positive tests are very strict [FEV 1 increases by more than 12%
from baseline following short-acting Beta-2 agonist administration]. If these
tests are negative players will need to proceed to the next stage of testing.
c] The results of broncho-provocation
tests. These tests are normally carried out in a specialist centre, eg a
hospital but the SFA Sports Medicine Centre at Hampden is prepared to do these
specialists tests. The SRU does not have the necessary facilities.
All the relevant documents [nine pages!] can be down-loaded from the SRU website
by
TUE[confidential] Anti-Doping, Scottish Rugby, Murrayfield, Edinburgh EH12 5PJ