Glossary term
Off-label: Off-label means a licensed medicine is being used in a way not covered by its official licence, such as for a different condition, dose or route.
Why this term matters
Patients often confuse off-label with illegal.
UK medical cannabis context
NICE’s explanatory material around prescribing notes that guidance includes information about prescribing medicines, including off-label use.
What not to assume
Off-label use requires clinical judgment and informed discussion; it is not casual experimentation.
Careful wording: Avoid normalising off-label use as routine consumer choice.
Related glossary terms
Related MCPH pages
Sources and review notes
This entry is educational vocabulary, not medical advice. Suitability, prescribing, product choice and monitoring belong with a qualified clinician or pharmacist.