FDA faulted over unapproved uses of medications

July 27th, 2008 in Medicine & Health / Medications
FDA faulted over unapproved uses of medications (AP)

FDA Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach speaks at the National Press Club in Washington in this Feb. 29, 2008 file photo. Drug companies are forbidden to promote medications for uses that have not been validated by the FDA on evidence from clinical trials. Doctors, however, can use their own independent judgment in prescribing medicines. The Government Accountability Office has delved into this practice, known as "off-label" prescribing. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

(AP) -- When a state trooper pulls over a speeding motorist, the officer usually writes out a ticket on the spot.

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