New Study Shows Many People Unknowingly Receiving Medications For “Off Label” Uses
Ask any family member caring for an elderly parent with dementia about the number of medications prescribed and it’s likely to be quite a few. It is important to know what someone is prescribed and what for. A new study shows that roughly 20% of medications are prescribed “off label”. You can read an article discussing the study here.
“Off label” refers to prescribing medications for uses other than what the FDA has approved a drug for. Despite what the FDA approves a specific drug to treat, doctors may prescribe drugs for anything – approved or not. This practice is obviously not a problem per se, however, it might be more difficult for a consumer to learn about a drug’s pros and cons if it is being prescribed “off label”.
It is important to discuss medications with a doctor. Learn what risks, if any, a drug’s use entails.