The FDA has now approved a recombinant, 9-valent, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (Gardasil 9 – Merck) for use in girls and women 9-26 years old and boys 9-15 years old. The new vaccine is indicated to prevent diseases associated with infection with HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58, which include genital warts and cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal precancerous lesions and cancer. Two recombinant HPV vaccines are already available in the US: Gardasil prevents disease associated with HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18, and Cervarix prevents disease associated with HPV...

The investigational monoclonal antibodies casirivimab and imdevimab (REGEN-COV – Regeneron) have been available in the US under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) since late 2020 for use together to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in persons ≥12 years old who weigh ≥40 kg and are at high risk of progression to severe disease or hospitalization. The FDA has now expanded this EUA to allow use of the antibodies together for post-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19 in such persons, if they are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or are unlikely to have an adequate immune response...

Thalidomide (Thalomid - Celgene), a synthetic derivative of glutamic acid, has been approved by the FDA for use in treatment of leprosy. Thalidomide was marketed in Europe in 1957 as a sedative but withdrawn four years later after being associated with severe human teratogenicity. The drug has since been found to be effective for several different indications.

Quantiferon - TB Gold (Cellestis) is a T-cell interferon-gamma release assay approved by the FDA as an alternative to the tuberculin skin test for diagnosis of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB). An earlier assay (Quantiferon-TB), which is no longer commercially available, was approved by the FDA in 2001. Other interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) are available abroad.

Voriconazole (Vfend -- Pfizer), an antifungal triazole structurally related to fluconazole (Diflucan) with a spectrum of action similar to that of itraconazole, has been approved by the FDA for primary treatment of invasive aspergillosis and for refractory infection with Scedosporium apiospermum (the asexual form of Pseudallescheria boydii) or Fusarium spp.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends use of certain vaccines in adults residing in the US. Routine childhood immunization has reduced the overall incidence of some of these vaccine-preventable diseases, but many adults remain susceptible. Recommendations for vaccination against COVID-19, seasonal influenza, and monkeypox and vaccination of travelers have been reviewed separately.

View the Comparison Table: Some Drugs for Plaque Psoriasis

Many physicians believe that antimicrobial prophylaxis before procedures that may cause transient bacteremia can prevent endocarditis and prosthetic joint infection in patients at increased risk for these disorders. The effectiveness of this common practice has never been established by controlled trials in humans.

A recombinant quadrivalent human-papillomavirus-like particle vaccine, Gardasil (Merck), has been approved by the FDA for use in girls and women 9-26 years old to prevent diseases associated with infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6, 11, 16, and 18, including genital warts, precancerous cervical, vaginal or vulvar lesions, and cervical cancer.

The FDA has warned that use of the macrolide antibiotic clarithromycin (Biaxin, and generics) may increase the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with heart disease.