What does "off-label" mean?
Doctors can sometimes use a medication in a way that hasn't yet been officially approved. For instance, for a different medical problem. Or in a child, although it has only been approved for use in adults. When a treatment is used in a way that has not been officially approved, it is known as . Off-label use is generally possible.
But doctors' associations still recommend only prescribing a medication for if there's good scientific proof that it is likely to be effective when used in that way. Prescribing a medicine off-label is associated with particular risks for doctors. They might face liability problems if there are serious side effects.
If a patient is receiving a medicine off-label, she or he needs to be informed that the use is off-label, and told about the possible consequences. It is important for patients to know that there may not be enough research on the benefits and harms of the medicine when used for that off-label purpose.