Physicians Don't Wait for the FDA to Act: Aspirin Makers Hail New Decision

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Washington obstetrician Dr. Bruce Bonn makes a regular habit of ignoring the Food and Drug Administration in prescribing drugs for his patients.

While the federal agency fields an army of bureaucrats and professional advisory panels to approve new drugs and new uses for existing pharmaceuticals, Dr. Bonn regularly recommends birth control pills for purposes that have not been approved.

Like doctors across the nation, Dr. Bonn routinely practices medicine without waiting for the FDA to catch up with the latest scientific developments. And it's perfectly legal.

That paradox was underscored yesterday when an FDA advisory panel recommended allowing aspirin makers to label their product for use in the prevention of heart attack and stroke. Although aspirin makers …