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Off-label dermatologic therapies. Usage, risks, and mechanisms.

V W Li·M P Jaffe·W W Li·H A Haynes
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Abstract

Off-label refers to the prescribing of Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs for a use not indicated on the package insert. The prescribing of off-label drugs may benefit patients with many dermatologic diseases including angiogenesis-related conditions. We surveyed 55 dermatologists from a single large academic program to assess their use of particular drugs for specific skin conditions, their perception of such use as being for Food and Drug Administration-approved or for off-label indications, and their attitudes towards off-label therapies. The practice of prescribing off-label drugs was common among the respondents, many of whom had misperceptions about which conditions are Food and Drug Administration-approved indications and about the legal ramifications of off-label therapies. We suggest that understanding the principles of off-label prescribing in conjunction with the mechanisms of drug action in diseases may help clinicians exercise their judgment in finding innovative therapies for their patients.

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Dermatologic AgentsDrug ApprovalDrug LabelingHumansRisk FactorsSkin DiseasesSurveys and QuestionnairesUnited StatesUnited States Food and Drug AdministrationJournal Article

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BibTeXRIS

V W Li, M P Jaffe, W W Li, H A Haynes. 1998. Off-label dermatologic therapies. Usage, risks, and mechanisms.. https://doi.org/10.1001/archderm.134.11.1449

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