Ask any family member caring for an elderly parent with dementia about the number of medications prescribed and it’s likely to be quite a few.  It is important to know what someone is prescribed and what for.  A new study shows that roughly 20% of medications are prescribed “off label”. You can read an article discussing the study here.

“Off label” refers to prescribing medications for uses other than what the FDA has approved a drug for.  Despite what the FDA approves a specific drug to treat, doctors may prescribe drugs for anything – approved or not.  This practice is obviously not a problem per se, however, it might be more difficult for a consumer to learn about a drug’s pros and cons if it is being prescribed “off label”. 

It is important to discuss medications with a doctor.  Learn what risks, if any, a drug’s use entails.