Off Licence/Off Label Medication

Doctors make mistakes. Always query anything you’re not happy with and ask for a second opinion from another doctor.

Thank you Lathyrus.

I think that's an excellent example of the infallibility of humans - however skilled, intelligent or well meaning.

We do tend not to question those we consider professionals in their field but always wise to do so.

And yes Elogran I think I will do that.

Yes I was prescribed a medication by a Cardiac consultant.

It was the appropriate standard medication for the condition he was investigating.

However, after reading the information that came with it I found one paragraph that said it was not to be used if another heart condition was also present.

I researched online and found that if it had to be given, in those circumstances it must only be given in hospital where resuscitation facilities could be accessed immediately and other treatment given to counteract the reaction.

This may not be helpful in your case but it is a similar, if not exact, experience.

I won’t go into probable reasons for the consultant’s error.

A phone call MAY put your mind at rest, not MY.

I haven't experienced this, but if it did happen to me, I would search online for more information, to find out WHY the manufacturer warns against using it in the way you have been prescribed it. There must be a reason - maybe it has side effects which are unpleasant or even dangerous. If there have been trials which revealed this, they will be recorded somewhere.

Did the doctor who prescribed it explain why they felt it worth going against the manufacturer's advice? A phone call my put your mind at rest - and if it doesn't you can ask whether there is something else that can be used instead. don't just swallow it without querying it.