Reconsidering the ethics of off-label medication use: A response to Braillon and Naudet on baclofen use in alcohol use disorders in India.

Abstract

High diffusion of the use of baclofen in patients with alcohol use disorders (AUD) in India has raised concerns from Braillon and Naudet. They say the practice is based on poor evidence and ignores possible harms to patients. This article critiques their arguments and makes a reasoned, ethical, and evidence-informed case for baclofen as a treatment option for AUD, albeit a second-line one, especially because of issues with acceptability and cost of other approved pharmacotherapies.