Off-Label Drug Use Common Without Patient Knowledge

A Mayo Clinic analysis found that although many people have heard of off-label drug use, they may not know when that practice applies to the medications that they are taking.

Off-label drug use occurs when a physician prescribes medication to treat a condition before that use has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, according to a Mayo Clinic press release.

In a newly published article in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, researchers cited a 2006 report that found that out of a group of commonly used medications, about 1 in 5 prescriptions were for an off-label use. Another study found that nearly 79% of kids discharged from pediatric hospitals were prescribed at least one off-label medication.

Examples of drugs that are widely used off-label include morphine, many inhaled bronchodilators, antimicrobials, anticonvulsants, and proton pump inhibitors.

No court decision requires physicians to inform their patients whether the drugs they are being prescribed are off-label.

Although drug companies are not allowed to promote off-label uses of their medications, they may respond to unsolicited questions from doctors and distribute peer-reviewed publications about off-label use.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a dangerous drug, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if a dangerous drug lawyer may be able to help you.  For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.

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