An unlabeled use of a drug is when a doctor prescribes a medication for a purpose other than that for which it has been specifically designed and approved. Sometimes a drug is prescribed for a specific unlabeled use so often that doctors consider it a common practice.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves drugs for specific uses.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	William Gilbert, MD - Maternal and Fetal Medicine
Last Revised	January 10, 2011