OFF-LABEL DERMATOLOGICAL THERAPIES - USAGE, RISKS, AND MECHANISMS

Off-label refers to the prescribing of Food and Drug Administration-ap proved drugs for a use not indicated on the package insert. The prescr ibing of off-label drugs may benefit patients with many dermatologic d iseases including angiogenesis-related conditions. We surveyed 55 derm atologists from a single large academic program to assess their use of particular drugs for specific skin conditions, their perception of su ch use as being for Food and Drug Administration-approved or for off-l abel indications, and their attitudes towards off-label therapies. The practice of prescribing off-label drugs was common among the responde nts, many of whom had misperceptions about which conditions are Food a nd Drug Administration-approved indications and about the legal ramifi cations of off-label therapies. We suggest that understanding the prin ciples 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.