The FDA has approved Vuity (Abbvie), a 1.25% ophthalmic solution of the muscarinic receptor agonist pilocarpine hydrochloride, for treatment of presbyopia in adults. Pilocarpine 1%, 2%, and 4% ophthalmic solutions (Isopto Carpine, and others) have been available for years for treatment of glaucoma, but local and systemic adverse effects have limited their use.1

STANDARD TREATMENT — Presbyopia is an age-related condition thought to be caused by weakening of ciliary muscles or loss of lens elasticity. Corrective lenses, including single-vision, bifocal, trifocal, or progressive lenses and single-vision or multifocal contact lenses...  Continue reading

Difelikefalin (Korsuva – Vifor), an IV kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonist, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of moderate to severe pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults on hemodialysis. It is the first drug to be approved for this indication and the first KOR agonist to become available in the US. Difelikefalin has not been studied in patients on peritoneal dialysis.

THE DISORDER — CKD-associated pruritus is common in patients on hemodialysis. Repetitive scratching can lead to ... Continue reading