The FDA has approved a transmucosal tablet formulation of fentanyl citrate (Fentora - Cephalon) for management of breakthrough pain in opioid-tolerant patients with cancer. An oral transmucosal fentanyl lozenge on a stick (Actiq, and others) is also available for this indication, and is widely used off-label for chronic, non-cancer pain as well.

Ambrisentan (Letairis - Gilead), a selective endothelin type A (ET_A) receptor antagonist, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of symptomatic patients (WHO class II or III) with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Formoterol fumarate (Perforomist - Dey), a long-acting beta₂-agonist, was recently approved by the FDA as an inhalation solution for nebulization for maintenance treatment of bronchoconstriction associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Arformoterol (Brovana), the (R, R)-enantiomer of formoterol, was approved earlier this year for the same indication.

Entacapone (Comtan), a catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor, has been approved by the FDA for adjunctive use with levodopa/carbidopa in patients with Parkinson's disease who have end-of-dose "wearing off"symptoms.

Phytoestrogens, plant compounds that are converted to estrogens in the gut, are widely promoted as "natural"substitutes for estrogen in hormone replacement therapy.

The FDA has approved exemestane, an aromatase inhibitor, for the treatment of postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer that has progressed during treatment with tamoxifen.

Ciclopirox nail lacquer (Penlac - Dermik) has been approved by the FDA for treatment of mild-to-moderate onychomycosis due to Trichophyton rubrum, without involvement of the lunula. The drug has been available for many years as a lotion and cream (Loprox) for treatment of cutaneous fungal infection

Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin (Visudyne--CIVA Vision), an injectable drug, is now being used for treatment of age-related macular degeneration. The drug is a benzoporphyrin derivative that, when activated by light in the presence of oxygen, generates highly reactive radicals that damage neovascular endorthelium and occlude the vessels.

Rivastigmine tartrate (Exelon - Novartis), a carbamate-based cholinesterase inhibitor, is now being marketed for treatment of patients with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease.

Recent studies suggest that timely use of automated external defibrillators operated by laypersons with minimal training can save lives. Purchase of these devices for public places or home use requires authorization from a physician.