THE ISSUE OF OFF-LABEL USE OF MEDICATIONS IN REAL CLINICAL PRACTICE, PARTICULARLY FOR THE TREATMENT OF FUNGAL DISEASES OF THE ANTERIOR SEGMENT OF THE EYE

Unregulated use of medications and application of unlicensed drugs in clinical practice is widespread, posing risks to patient health and legal consequences for healthcare professionals. It is particularly important to highlight the significance of this issue in ophthalmology, where off-label use of medications is a forced measure in treating fungal diseases of the anterior segment of the eye in the absence of registered drugs for topical application in Russia. The article draws on data from various medical fields, including pediatrics, gynecology, and ophthalmology. Regulatory documents governing off-label drug use are examined, clinical cases where off-label drugs were used are analyzed, and the consequences of their use are discussed. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the problem of forced off-label use of drugs for the topical treatment of keratomycosis. The conducted analysis revealed that off-label use of medications can lead to serious side effects and complications for the patient, cause legal issues for the healthcare professional, but at the same time, it is an integral part of practical medicine. Off-label drug use allows physicians to provide necessary medical care to patients when registered drugs are absent or ineffective. This helps improve patients' quality of life and avoid irreversible health consequences. The study emphasizes the need for a mechanism for off-label drug use that minimizes bureaucratic obstacles. The lack of registered topical drugs in Russia for treating fungal diseases of the anterior segment of the eye requires particular attention from the scientific community and the pharmaceutical industry.