Infertility occurs in about 15% of couples. About one-third of cases are due to problems with ovulation or other female factors, another third are due to a male infertility factor, and the remaining third are unexplained. In older women, unexplained infertility is probably caused by diminished quality and quantity of oocytes. The first approach to treatment of female-factor infertility generally is the use of drugs that stimulate oocyte production.

The FDA has approved a delayed-release oral formulation of prednisone (Rayos – Horizon Pharma). Rayos is not labeled for any specific indication, but the only published studies of the new product have been in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Enfuvirtide (T-20; Fuzeon Trimeris/Roche), the first in a new class of HIV drugs known as fusion inhibitors, has received accelerated approval from the FDA for use with other antiretrovirals in adults and children with viral replication despite ongoing antiretroviral therapy. This review describes the mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics of the new drug, and outlines the results of the 2 clinical studies that led to its approval. Sections on adverse effects, development of resistance, and dosage and cost are also included. The review concludes with an overall assessment of the...

The FDA has approved an extended-release formulation of amoxicillin (Moxatag – MiddleBrook) for once-daily treatment of pharyngitis or tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes in adults and children ≥12 years old. Approval was based on an unpublished study that found once-daily treatment with Moxatag 775 mg for 10 days non-inferior to penicillin V 250 mg four times a day for 10 days in eradication of S. pyogenes.For decades, the drug of choice for oral treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis in adolescents and adults has been penicillin V 250 mg taken three or four times a day.1...

To avoid the morbidity and occasional mortality of transurethral resection or open prostatectomy, some urologists are now using balloon dilatation of the prostatic urethra to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Direct-to-consumer advertisements are urging women to be tested for mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are the most common known causes of an inherited predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer. Clinically important BRCA mutations have been found in about 2% of Ashkenazi Jewish women, and are estimated to occur in about 1 in 300 to 500 women in the general non-Jewish US population. The prevalence appears to be lower in non-whites.

The FDA has approved benzyl alcohol lotion, 5% (Ulesfia Lotion - Sciele) for treatment of head lice in patients ≥6 months old. The active ingredient is 5% benzyl alcohol; the vehicle is 5% mineral oil.

The FDA has approved prasugrel (Effient - Lilly/Daiichi Sankyo), an oral antiplatelet drug, for use with aspirin to reduce the rate of thrombotic cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) being managed with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). It will compete with clopidogrel (Plavix) for such use.

The FDA has approved the use of ustekinumab (Stelara - Centocor Ortho Biotech), an interleukin antagonist given by subcutaneous (SC) injection for treatment of adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It is the first agent in its class for this indication; the other biologic agents for psoriasis are Tcell or tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors.

The FDA has approved the marketing of a 10% topical gel formulation of the muscarinic receptor antagonist oxybutynin chloride (Gelnique - Watson) for treatment of overactive bladder. Oxybutynin is also available for this indication as oral tablets, an oral syrup and a transdermal patch.