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Off Licence/Off Label Medication

(5 Posts)
ferry23 Fri 31-Jul-26 19:20:41

I understand that Off Licence medication can be prescribed for ailments/injuries other than those that it is meant to treat. E.g. Viagara was originally developed for cardiovascular problems. I get this.

However, I've been prescribed medication which is going to be used in a way that the manufacturer warns against in the insert that comes with it.

Now I know that the use of off licence medications is reviewed and deemed to be safe before a prescription is issued. And I'm quite sure that there's a whole raft of regulations around this method of prescribing.

But I'm still feeling uneasy.

Has anyone experienced something similar? And if so, what did you do?

Elegran Fri 31-Jul-26 19:33:23

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.

Elegran Fri 31-Jul-26 19:34:31

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

Lathyrus3 Fri 31-Jul-26 19:43:37

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.

ferry23 Fri 31-Jul-26 19:56:40

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.