off-label

adjective

off-la·​bel ˈȯf-ˌlā-bəl How to pronounce off-label (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a drug used to treat a condition for which it has not been officially approved

Examples of off-label in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Nonetheless, the significance of the results means that patients with psoriasis of the scalp and body might want to consult their treating medical practitioner to discuss an off-label prescription for roflumilast foam. Paul McClure 07, New Atlas, 7 May 2025 What began as a diabetes treatment has become a billion-dollar industry fueled by off-label use, celebrity whispers and red-carpet transformations. Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025 Injecting into these muscles is an off-label usage of neuromodulator, which means the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) hasn’t approved injecting them into the jaw. Mary Honkus, Allure, 29 Apr. 2025 This inexpensive drug could be used off-label along with other therapies to delay or prevent knee replacement surgery. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for off-label

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of off-label was in 1987

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Cite this Entry

“Off-label.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off-label. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

off-label

adjective
off-la·​bel ˌȯf-ˌlā-bəl How to pronounce off-label (audio)
: of, relating to, or being an approved drug legally prescribed or a medical device legally used by a physician for a purpose (as the treatment of children or of a certain disease or condition) for which it has not been specifically approved (as by the United States Food and Drug Administration)
the off-label use of oral contraceptives to treat dysmenorrhea
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