A more thorough explanation:

Off-label use refers to the use of prescription medicine or medical products for conditions and in circumstances not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For example, a medication that is approved by the FDA to treat depression may be prescribed by a doctor to treat chronic pain, which is not an approved use. Another example is the use of a medical device for a different purpose than it was originally intended.

Off-label use can be risky because the safety and effectiveness of the medication or product may not have been thoroughly tested for the specific use. However, in some cases, off-label use may be necessary when there are no other approved treatments available for a particular condition.

It is important to discuss any off-label use with a healthcare provider to fully understand the potential risks and benefits.