compassionate use

compassionate use

Pharmacology The use of an agent to treat Pts for whom conventional therapies have failed, or for whom no other drug exists; CU refers to the use of an agent on humanitarian grounds before it has received regulatory–FDA–approval

compassionate use

(kŏm″pash′ŏn-ăt) The administration of investigational (i.e., as yet unapproved) drugs to a patient in a special circumstance in which it is felt that the drug may be lifesaving or effective when no other therapy would be. The procedure requires the treating physician to contact either the Food and Drug Administration or the drug manufacturer to obtain permission.