Off-Label Drug Use



Off-label drug use is the practice of prescribing pharmaceuticals for an unapproved indication or in an unapproved age group, unapproved dose or unapproved form of administration.

The Council does not have the legal authority to regulate the practice of medicine, and it is not the function of the council to lay out protocols for individual drug items.

The Council however recommends in the best interest of patient safety, that pharmacists refer to, and strictly adhere to the drugs' labelled indications and dosing guidelines as best practice.

When there is a question, the pharmacist should follow protocol and contact the physician. If there is an impasse professional to professional, pharmacists can refuse to fill the prescription in the interest of the patient.

If there are concerns about drug use in any healthcare institution or pharmacy in The Bahamas, The Council recommends that the healthcare institution write and enforce their “Policy of Use”. We encourage the pharmacists in these institutions to take the lead in writing such policies.

The Bahamas Pharmacy Council relies on the professionalism and integrity of each pharmacist to practice at a level that would ensure the safety of all patients within the borders of The Commonwealth.