Radiocast: Off-Label Drugs - A Common Practice

Rand: This is Healthcare 411: Information for better health. Off-label prescribing - many consumers may have heard the term, but may not understand what it means. Off-label prescribing is when your doctor treats your condition with a medication that’s designed for a different condition. AHRQ Director Dr. Carolyn Clancy says it’s actually pretty common.

Dr. Clancy: People shouldn’t be concerned if a doctor prescribed a medicine for an off-label use. Frankly, many medicines are used off-label and work very effectively. And most doctors only prescribe a medication when they feel confident that a drug has been shown to work well at treating that condition. However, I encourage consumers to talk with their clinicians if they do have concerns over any medicine or treatment. It’s always a good idea to know all the risks and benefits. This information should help you engage in a healthy discussion with your doctor about which treatment choice is right for you.

Rand: Healthcare 411 is produced by AHRQ, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Rand Gardner for Healthcare 411.