title: Off-label drug use in WOC nursing: issues related to use of mafenide acetate to treat infected chronic wounds.
abstract: It is not unusual for practitioners to prescribe off-label drugs for their patients--that is, drugs that have not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat the patient's particular condition. The decision to use off-label drugs should be based on a clear understanding of the risks and benefits to the patient. This issue is pertinent to WOC nurses because they may work with physicians who prescribe off-label drugs for their wound care patients. In addition, WOC nurses who are also nurse practitioners and have prescribing privileges may be intimately involved in the decision to prescribe off-label drugs. A review of the literature related to off-label drug use and mafenide acetate was conducted. This article presents the issues related to off-label use of mafenide acetate (Sulfamylon) and possible implications for patients with chronic infected wounds.
authors.affiliation: Albany Medical Center WOCN Educational Program, Albany, New YorK, USA. dianebre@ptd.net
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Breton
mesh_terms: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D017277:Drug Approval / Q000266:history; D004348:Drug Labeling / Q000266:history; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008272:Mafenide / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D008272:Mafenide