UK Sport consistently receives Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) applications for the use of oral Prednisolone following the exacerbation of an athlete’s asthma.  Many of these are not supported by the relevant information or sufficient medical documentation to allow approval.

This class of medication is only prohibited in competition and therefore a TUE application is only required should the substance be administered or required at the time of or close to a competition.

UK Sport accepts that in many cases it is essential that the athlete be commenced on this medication as a matter of urgency.  In these circumstances a retrospective emergency TUE must be submitted immediately.  Any retrospective applications made after the treatment period has been completed will not be considered. 

There are other circumstances where oral Prednisolone is considered a possible treatment option but is not an emergency.  These TUE Applications must be made in advance of commencing treatment. 

For all applications for the use of Oral Prednisolone in Asthma it is expected that the following information will be provided as a minimum;

Þ      A detailed clinical explanation of the assessment

Þ      Relevant past medical history

Þ      Medications tried before and leading up to prescribing oral Prednisolone

Þ      The athletes ‘normal’ peak flow measurements

Þ      The athletes peak flow measurements at the time of clinical assessment

Þ      Details of previous exacerbations requiring hospitalisation or oral Prednisolone

Standard TUE applications are reviewed by an independent panel of three medical experts. The quantity and relevance of the supporting medical evidence will have an impact on the outcome of the application. 

If the above information is received and the TUE Committee are satisfied that the application meets the criteria for granting a therapeutic use exemption as set out in the WADC International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions, an exemption will be granted for the one off treatment course to be given and future use will require a new application.

For further information please contact Michael Stow at tue@uksport.gov.uk.