Beware of Off Label Prescriptions

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Just because the FDA approves a drug for a specific purpose, that does NOT mean that the drug is safe or effective for other off-label uses. A recent study by the Stanford Prevention Research Center revealed that 15% of prescriptions were for off-label uses lacking scientific support, most commonly among heart drugs (excluding those for cholesterol and high blood pressure) and anti-convulsants. Don't presume that the mere fact that a drug made it onto the market that the FDA has vouched for its safety and efficacy for all its potential users.