Useful information about off-label prescription and the law in the UK (with cases)

From
http://pb.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/full/29/5/186
The Psychiatrist
Medicines information
Managing clozapine-induced neutropenia with lithium
Carol Paton et al.

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Box 1. Off-label prescribing

The prescriber may be at increased risk of litigation if things go wrong

He/she will be expected, by the courts, to have considered the risks and
benefits of all treatment options, with due regard to the evidence
available (Bolitho v. City and Hackney Health Authority,1997)

The actions taken should be supported by a respected body of
professional opinion (Bolam v. Friern Hospital Management Committee,1957)

The prescriber's actions must be able to withstand logical analysis
(Bolitho v. City and Hackney Health Authority, 1997)

The prescriber may be criticised for not obtaining the patient's
informed consent (or the specific consent of a second opinion doctor)
"