Off Label Drug Use Is Common

Off-Label Drug Use Prescription Drugs / The Maher Law Firm / Frank EidsonThe FDA does not regulate the practice of medicine……

A report published in The Mayo Clinic Proceedings, stated that “off-label” drug use is a term used by physicians, to describe a medication, that has been prescribed using a dosage, form of dosage, or for the purpose that has not yet been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

Many patients are unaware they are being prescribed “off-label” medications that would not meet FDA approval.  A 2006 report revealed that one in five prescriptions was for an “off-label” drug.

“Since the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not regulate the practice of medicine, off-label drug use has become very common.  Health care providers and patients should educate themselves about off-label drugs to weigh the risk and benefits before a physician prescribes one or a patient takes one.” said Dr. Christopher Wittich, an internal medicine physician at the Mayo Clinic.

Drug companies are not allowed to promote off-label drug use, however, drug companies are allowed to answer questions posed by health care providers and distribute peer-reviewed publications regarding off-label drug use.

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