A National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center

 

Patients & Families

Health Care Professionals

Researchers

Donors & Volunteers

Employees

 

Health Encyclopedia

 

 

Unlabeled Use

An unlabeled use of a drug is when a doctor prescribes a medicine for a purpose other than that for which it has been specifically designed and approved. Sometimes a drug is prescribed for a specific unlabeled use so often that doctors consider it a common practice.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves drugs for specific uses.

Last Revised: March 9, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Theresa O'Young, PharmD - Clinical Pharmacy

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.