Fact Pattern 17-1
Cream X has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of eczema. Dr. Glover discovers, however, that it is also great for a number of other things including the removal of wrinkles and cellulite. The cream is applied to the skin, not ingested. He starts prescribing it for those purposes and has a great increase in patients. Dr. Smith starts to lose a number of patients to Dr. Glover and becomes grumpy when she hears why Dr. Glover is gaining in popularity. Dr. Smith decides to complain about the practice but does not know quite what to do about it.
-Refer to fact pattern 17-1. Which of the following is the appropriate term for Dr.Glover's prescribing of Cream X for the elimination of wrinkles and cellulite?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dr. Glover's prescribing of Cream X for the elimination of wrinkles and cellulite is referred to as "off-label use". This is when a medication is used for a purpose that has not been approved by the FDA. In this case, Cream X was approved for treating eczema, but Dr. Glover was prescribing it for other purposes. Off-label use is legal and sometimes necessary, but it can also be controversial and potentially dangerous.

Fact Pattern 17-1 Cream X Has Been Approved by the Food and Drug