OK don’t laugh, this is a genuine scientific enquiry. Can Viagra make you run faster?

As a medical representative (when i’m not out running), I am interested in keeping up with industry trends, and what is happening in the world of pharmaceuticals, whether it is in my therapeutic area or not. One area I find particularly interesting is the off-label use of drugs.

Off-label use of a drug is the use of a drug for an indication that has not been approved. Generally speaking, it is legal, but does have certain health risks, as the drug is not being used for its original (and tested) purpose. Usually, there is inadequate evidence supporting the off-label use. It is quite a common practice. Examples of off-label drug use include Zoloft (sertraline) an approved anti-depressant, being used to treat premature ejaculation, and Duromine (phentermine) an appetite suppressant used for treating obesity, used by…