Off-label use of prescription medication: nursing implications

Although the FDA has stated that an approved medication may be prescribed for an off-label use, practitioners who prescribe, dispense, or administer these agents should have a full understanding of the rational for such use, as well as the potential legal liabilities. Nurses are responsible for their patients and must be concerned about the consequences of their actions so as not to incur liability (Christensen, 2002). The decision to use drugs for unapproved treatments should be based on an understanding of the risks and benefits of such treatment to the patient. This is especially important to nurses, many of whom work with other medical personnel who prescribe off-label drugs for patients. This issue is also of concern to nurse practitioners who have prescribing privileges and may be directly involved with recommending off-label uses of drugs. The potential for unexpected adverse effects should always be a concern when drugs are used in an off-label manner (Breton, 2001).