The FDA has approved perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution (Miebo – Bausch+Lomb) for treatment of dry eye disease. Available only by prescription, Miebo is the first ophthalmic product to be approved in the US that specifically targets tear evaporation caused by meibomian gland dysfunction. An ophthalmic solution with a similar name, Meibo Tears (Vista), which contains 0.6% propylene glycol, is available over the counter for dry eye relief.

Pressure is the most critical factor in the development of pressure ulcers; high pressure applied constantly for two hours produces irreversible tissue ischemia and necrosis. Malnutrition, fecal and urinary incontinence, fractures, and a low serum albumin may be additional risk factors. Frequent turning and mobilization of patients, relieving pressure and allowing tissue reoxygenation, are the most effective means of prevention and treatment (PS Goode and RM Allman, Med Clin North Am, 73:1511, Nov 1989).

The FDA has approved a 5% ophthalmic solution of lifitegrast (Xiidra – Shire), a lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) antagonist, for treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. Lifitegrast is the first LFA-1 antagonist to be approved for any indication in the US.

The FDA has approved revefenacin (Yupelri – Mylan/Theravance Biopharma), a long-acting antimuscarinic agent (LAMA) administered once daily by standard jet nebulizer, for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Revefenacin is the second nebulized LAMA to be approved for this indication; glycopyrrolate (Lonhala Magnair), which is administered twice daily with a portable handheld nebulizer, was the first.

The FDA has approved a 12.45% gel formulation of the anticholinergic drug sofpironium (Sofdra – Botanix) for treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating) in patients ≥9 years old.

View the Comparison Chart: Correct Use of Inhalers for Asthma

Salmeterol xinafoate (Serevent - Allen & Hanburys), a long-acting β 2 -selective adrenergic agonist for inhalation, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for maintenance treatment of asthma, with or without concurrent use of inhaled corticosteroids. Salmeterol is not recommended for acute treatment of bronchospasm.

Linezolid, the first of a new class of antibiotics, the oxazolidinones, has been marketed for treatment of infection due to vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, nosocomial and community-acquired pueumonia due to Staphylococcus aureus or penicillin-sucsceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae, and skin and skin structure infections, including those due to methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA).

Since publication of our recent article on antiviral drugs for influenza, increased levels of resistance to oseltamivir (Tamiflu) have been detected in influenza A H1N1 strains.

The incidence of oral cancer appears to be increasing, especially in younger patients. Risk factors include use of tobacco and alcohol, and exposure to human papillomavirus. ViziLite Plus (Zila Pharmaceuticals) is a combination device that uses fluorescent light and toluidine blue tissue staining to help dentists identify abnormal changes in the mucous membranes of the oral cavity. Originally developed for detecting abnormal growths on the uterine cervix, in 2001 it received FDA clearance for "identification, evaluation, and monitoring of oral mucosal abnormalities in a patient population at...