As of 1 January 2011 the rules changed for asthma medications. All inhaled glucocorticosteroids (eg. fluticasone) are permitted in- and out-of-competition in all sports, both nationally and internationally, they do not require a TUE or a declaration of use.

• VENTOLIN (salbutamol) is permitted in- and out-of-competition in all sports, both nationally and internationally, it does not require a TUE or a declaration of use. However, VENTOLIN (salbutamol) has a threshold of 16 puffs maximum per day.

In an emergency your health comes first. If your health depends on a prohibited substance or method, submit a TUE application immediately after treatment has occurred (retroactive TUE).

In these situations your doctor may also be able to contact ASDMAC and speak directly to a medical practitioner member of ASDMAC for advice.

• SERETIDE, SEREVENT (salmeterol) is permitted in- and out-of-competition in all sports, both nationally and internationally, it does not require a TUE or a declaration of use.
• OXIS, FORADIL, SYMBICORT (eformoterol) and BRICANYL (terbutaline) require a TUE. Complete a TUE application and provide a positive bronchial provocation test (BPT) or positive bronchodilator test (BDT).

Find out more about asthma medications

No, but you have to be careful how much you use. Following the change in rules on 1 January 2011 in regards to some asthma medications, all inhaled glucocorticosteroids such as Ventolin and Salbutamol are permitted in- and out-of-competition in all sports.

Please note though that Ventolin (Salbutamol) has a threshold of 16 puffs maximum per day.

In an emergency your health comes first. If your health depends on a prohibited substance or method, submit a TUE application immediately after treatment has occurred (retroactive TUE).

In these situations your doctor may also be able to contact ASDMAC and speak directly to a medical practitioner member of ASDMAC for advice.

If you are taking other asthma medication such as SYMBICORT, or BRICANYL you will need a TUE for these substances if you are an athlete.

Find out more about asthma medications

PREDNISOLONE and PREDNISONE are prohibited in-competition only. If you are taking either of these medications on a regular basis for a long period of time, you will need a TUE with supporting medical evidence to accompany the application.

If you are only on PREDNISOLONE and PREDNISONE for a short period and you are not competing at the time, you do not require a TUE. However, cease medication at least six days before competing.

Different cold and flu medications will have different ingredients, and some of these may be banned in sport.

PSEUDOEPHEDRINE is prohibited in-competition only.

Decongestant medications that contain PSEUDOEPHEDRINE must be ceased 24 hours prior to competition, providing you are taking the recommeded dosage on the packet.

Decongestant medications that contain PHENYLEPHRINE and CHLORPHENIRAMINE are permitted in sport.

Check your substances

ASDMAC is not in a position to provide information or advice to athletes about the status of supplements in sport.

ASDMAC can neither give advice to athletes about sports supplements, nor advice if they contain prohibited substances.

The contents of supplements can vary from batch to batch and may intentionally or unintentionally contain prohibited substances. Athletes who take supplements are, therefore, at risk of committing an inadvertent anti-doping rule violation.

There have been cases where both Australian and international athletes have been sanctioned after they have used supplements that they thought were okay, but which were actually contaminated with prohibited substances.

Athletes must apply for a TUE 30 days prior to competition.

ASDMAC may consider a TUE application before a weekend competition, but this does not necessarily mean the athlete will be granted a TUE.

Providing all relevant supporting medical evidence is provided with the TUE application, ASDMAC have 30 days to consider a TUE and provide a decision from the time they receive the completed application.

If the TUE application form is incomplete (ie. no supporting medical information provided), it will be returned to the athlete.

ASDMAC will try to consider applications as quickly as possible and you may receive an answer in writing, within two weeks.

ASDMAC provide their decision to the athlete in writing with a TUE Certificate. A copy of the certificate is provided to the athlete's treating physician and a copy is sent to the relevant national sporting organisation.

The approval period for a TUE depends on the substance approved.

For example, a TUE for asthma medications is generally granted for four years while a TUE for prednisolone is usually granted for the prescribed period and at least a week or two from the completion of the medication (eg. four weeks).

Approvals for other prohibited substances are usually granted for one year.

• Fax – +61 (0)2 6222 4262
• Post – PO Box 1744, Fyshwick ACT 2609
• Email – asdmac@asada.gov.au