Medication & Drug Testing

Athletes entering events that enforce anti-doping may require a medication found on the WADA Prohibited Drug List. If that is the case you may need to apply for permission to taking the medication while competing — this is called a Therapeutic Drug Use Exemption or (TUE). We will review your medications when you apply for Virtus Eligiblity so we can help determine if you need a Virtus TUE for Athletes Without Limits trips to Virtus events.

Note: The TUE process below is intended for Athletes Without Limits trips to Virtus events. Athletes competing in events hosted by other organizations (including US Paralympics) who take medications should review any medication/TUE requirements for those events and can apply directly to USADA if advised to by another organization.

Anti-Doping Drug Testing

In  2004, Virtus (formerly Inas) adopted the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) Code as the basis for the fight against doping in sport. Virtus competitions adhere to the same anti-doping rules as the Olympics and other international level mainstream sport. A random sampling of athletes may be asked to provide samples for drug testing while participating in competitions or at other times in conformity with the International Standard for Testing. To learn more about anti-doping including an online quiz, doping control video, athlete rights and responsibilities, and specific illnesses and medications visit the WADA website.

Athletes Requiring Medication

If the medication an athlete is required to take to treat an illness or condition does appear on the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List, a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) may give that athlete the authorization to take the needed medicine while competing. Medication Exemptions (TUEs) are granted for a specific medication with a defined dosage. If dosage or medication changes, a new TUE must be submitted. TUEs are granted for a specific period of time and do expire, usually within one to three years. Upon expiration, a new TUE must be submitted by the athlete with an updated doctor’s signature. Make sure to check the latest Prohibited List upon each renewal as it can change from year-to-year.

How to Apply for (or Renew) a Virtus Event Medication Exemption:

  1. Check if the medication is currently prohibited on the Global DRO website.
  2. If the medication is on the prohibited list you’ll need a TUE, whether or not you need a Virtus TUE Form, USADA TUE Form, and/or IPC TUE Form will depend on your sport and events so please contact us to confirm which forms to complete.
  3. You will need to work with your prescribing doctor, who must provide supporting documentation.
  4. Completed TUE Forms should be uploaded to Athletes Without Limits – to get a secure upload link send an email to  info “at” athleteswithoutlimits.org.

Questions: Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.