From January 1st 2009 the rules regarding the submission of therapeutic use exemptions for beta 2 agonists for asthma and corticosteroids that are used for asthma as well as joint, tendon and epidural injections have changed.

For international and national pool athletes, beta 2 agonists (e.g. salbutamol, salmeterol) will require an asthma TUE to be submitted. This will need to be done at least 21 days before a competition. Athletes with current abbreviated TUEs will be covered until December 31st 2009 or when there current certificate runs out. Also all athletes with asthma will require a diagnostic test such as spirometry with reversibility in support of their application. For international pool athletes the TUEs will be sent onto to the international federation. I have checked this with the secretariat of the EJU and I have already sorted out the process with Lauri Mallinen the EJU chief doctor. Forms can be downloaded form www.myadams.co.uk or www.100percentme.co.uk

Domestic athletes who require asthma medication will only need to submit a TUE if they are tested. This is called a retro-active TUE. This needs to be submitted within 21 days of the test. You will also need to have had a spirometry to support your diagnosis and any TUE application you make. It is wise to check with your GP to see if you have had this test. If not it would be prudent to do so.

Glucocorticoids (e.g. beclometasone) no longer require a TUE if given by an intra-articular injection or an inhaler. If athletes in the international and national pool require this type of inhaler or have had a steroid injection within four weeks of a competition they need to fill in a declaration of use via the ADAMS website www.myadams.co.uk . Domestic athletes should declare their usage via the 100%me website www.100percentme.co.uk . Steroid tablets will still require a standard TUE.

For further information do not hesitate to contact me:

Dr Craig White

GBMO British Judo

craiggenie@tesco.net