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Off-Label Medication Many drugs useful in PD began differently. For example, Amantadine was an antivirus agent. Bromocriptine was for migraine. Primidone, one of two approved antitremor drugs, was an anticonvulsant for epilepsy. Propranolol, also effective against tremor, was for hypertension. Apomorphine started as an emetic for child-poisoning cases. And so on. Doctors (U.S.) may prescribe a drug for whatever reason they like, but the FDA has insisted that manufacturers may not advertise any new application to doctors unless it undergoes the same testing and approval process as originally required. Now a federal judge has struck down that rule and, pending possible appeal by the FDA, PD patients may benefit a little sooner from newly found uses for old drugs. (Lancet, 15 Aug 98:555) Cheers, Joe -- J. R. Bruman (818) 789-3694 3527 Cody Road Sherman Oaks, CA 91403-5013