off-label

adjective

off-la·​bel ˈȯf-ˌlā-bəl How to pronounce off-label (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a drug used to treat a condition for which it has not been officially approved

Examples of off-label in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, since oral ivermectin is approved in children for other parasitic infections who weigh at least 33 lbs, doctors can use it to treat lice off-label. — Emily J. C. Wong, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026 Oral spironolactone, a hypertension drug, is often used off-label to block male hormone receptors, which can help with hair regrowth. — Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2026 Because no female-specific formulation exists, doctors must navigate off-label workarounds. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026 There is rising off-label use of testosterone among menopausal women. — Ava Tsapatsaris, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for off-label

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of off-label was in 1987

Rhymes for off-label

See All Rhymes for off-label

Browse Nearby Words

off-kilter
off-label
offlap
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Cite this Entry

“Off-label.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off-label. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Medical Definition

off-label

adjective
off-la·​bel ˌȯf-ˌlā-bəl How to pronounce off-label (audio)
: of, relating to, or being an approved drug legally prescribed or a medical device legally used by a physician for a purpose (as the treatment of children or of a certain disease or condition) for which it has not been specifically approved (as by the United States Food and Drug Administration)
the off-label use of oral contraceptives to treat dysmenorrhea
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