Non-FDA approved use of medication

[Jeanine]

Would I be operating outside of the NJ Nurse Practice Act by giving a

prescribed medication for a use not approved by the FDA?

A doctor has prescribed Wellbutrin for a 13 year old student of mine.

This student is non-compliant with taking his meds at home for his mother.

He has been suspended X3 already this year, and as a condition for his

return, he must come to my office every am to take his medication (per our

Superintendent of Schools).

"Wellbutrin XL is not FDA approved for use in treating any indications in

the pediatric population." The prescribing information goes on to quote the

BOX WARNING for Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk.

I have the necessary signatures (PMD and Parent) for medication

administration. I personally have no problem helping out in this situation,

but am unsure where I stand professionally. I realize that there

are many times that medications are used for off-label reasons, but I have

never done so at school. Wellbutrin is a drug that requires

a consistent blood-level, and if he's not taking it for his mom, then he

will only be taking it 5 days/week. I also don't want to be the one

responsible if this student suffers from one of the adverse reactions or

events.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

I can't speak to the NJ Nurse Practice Act, but I certainly don't have a problem with doctors using meds for off-label things.

[Jolie, BSN]

Check with your state BON, but I know of no restrictions on nurses administering medications used for off-label purposes. As long as you have a valid prescription written by an licensed healthcare provider, and the plan of care has been agreed to by the child's parents, I don't see any problems.

Having worked in NICU, where MOSt of the meds used are for off-label purposes, I would have been in trouble long ago!