“Off-label use” can apply to both prescription and over-the-counter (non-prescription) drugs. This occurs when a drug, generally a prescription drug, is used in ways not specified on the label: for an unapproved use (indication); or an unapproved dosage; or an unapproved age group; or even an unapproved method of application. Even though this can be riskier to the patient – (the use of any prescription drug can be dangerous to the user whether or not it is used as directed) – it is generally legal.
For example, this can be something so simple as a doctor giving his patient a prescription for the glaucoma eyedrops such as Lumigen or Betimol opthalmic for a woman who would like her eye lashes to grow longer (a side-effect of these glaucoma drops). Or it could be something more serious such as a doctor renewing prescriptions for Lipitor, a drug to reduce the level of cholesterol, for a patient that would like to maintain a diet rich in ice cream, bacon, and shellfish; or the prescriptions for testosterone used by body-builders to increase their muscle mass with limited exercise.
Doctors have a lot of leeway and the definitions are fuzzy. As long as the “use” does not violate specific ethical guidelines or safety regulations, the off label recommendation by a physician is legal.
However, homeopathic remedy Olive Leaf Nasal Spray, had some extensive independent lab testing done as part of a “challenge test” to prove the stability of the product against a variety of germs (E coli, Staph, Yeast and Mold) at very high concentrations (1-10 million colonies/drop). The results of the challenge test prove the stability and showed that 99% of all the germs were killed within 10 seconds, even though the length of the stability test was 30 days. However, since the use of homeopathic medicines was not taught in medical school and there is no protocol to cover the doctor, it would be a rare individual that would risk recommending the nasal spray as an off-label drug as being antibiotic.
There are over 150 types of squirrelfish. The Longspine subspecies have very large eyes, an orange body and lives in tropical reefs along the Caribbean, though some can be found as far south as Brazil. Although they are only 5-7″ in length, they are very territorial and will defend their little hole in the reef from other animals. This makes them a perfect subject for an underwater picture, because they do not tend to be scared away by divers. Notice in the collection of fish photos on this blog, that the best shots capture the fish’s eyes looking at you, facing towards the camera. This sort of cooperation is very difficult when the instinct for survival for most fish species is to turn and swim away when approached. You therefore have a split second to focus, make sure the camera settings are correct, the strobes are at the right angle and set to the correct strength, and you the diver are completely stationary. Good luck with that.