What is an “unlicensed” medicine?
An unlicensed medicine can be:
- A medicine that is made as a different, unlicensed version of a licensed medicine (e.g. a solid oral medication made into a liquid formulation, or a medication made in a different strength to the original licensed version).
- A medicine that has a license in other countries, but not the UK.
- A medicine that has no license at all.
What is an “off-label” medicine?
An off-label medicine is one that is used in a different way to that described in its licence. Examples of off-label use include:
- Using a medicine for a different condition to that stated in the licence. This may happen because doctors have found that the medicine works very well for another condition. Using the medicine in this way may be supported by expert groups, but the manufacturer of the medication has not extended its licence.
- Using a medicine in an age group beyond the boundaries of the licenced range.
- Using a medicine at a higher dose than stated in the licence.
Every request for our unlicensed and off-label medicines is reviewed by our clinicians. They will review your online consultation and prescribe the treatment only if it is clinically appropriate, based on individual circumstances.