Medication Repurposing: New Uses for Old Drugs
May 2011
in “
Journal of Pharmacy Technology
”
TLDR Old drugs can be used for new treatments, saving time and money, but there are challenges like needing more evidence and legal concerns.
The 2011 document highlights the concept of medication repurposing, which seeks new therapeutic applications for existing drugs, offering a cost-effective and time-saving alternative to developing new medications. It outlines the benefits of repurposing, such as the use of known safety profiles and faster access to treatments, but also acknowledges challenges like the lack of clinical evidence for new uses and potential legal issues. The document cites successful examples of repurposed drugs, including sildenafil and finasteride, and underscores the prevalence of off-label medication use, particularly in certain fields like pediatrics. Pharmacy practitioners are advised to stay informed about repurposed drugs and to critically evaluate the evidence supporting their new uses, while also considering safety and reimbursement issues.
