Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - The Application of Selected off-label drugs found in medical databases

Abstract

Medical databases are crucial tools in medicine and pharmacy, aiding studies on the impact of medical products on health and informing treatment decisions. However, prescribers must blend database insights with clinical expertise for accurate choices. Clinical experience doesn't always align with drug Summaries of Product Characteristics (SPCs). While SPC guidelines ensure safety, they might not optimize efficacy. For instance, treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) often benefits from off-label therapies that are clinically and cost-effective. The study aimed to identify potential PCOS treatments beyond approved uses in Poland and globally. The methodology involved reviewing databases used by medical professionals. Out of 29, 11 databases were chosen based on off-label drug availability and relevance to PCOS. Results show that medical databases aid medical professionals in finding off-label PCOS treatments. These databases also assess a drug's potential efficacy and risks. However, their usefulness has limits, lacking comprehensive data on usage, mechanisms, and safety. When using literary databases, keyword selection significantly influences search results.