Two controlled-release formulations of triptorelin (trip toe rel' in) pamoate, an agonist analog of human luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH), are now available in the US for parenteral treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Trelstar Depot is given every 4 weeks and Trelstar LA every 12 weeks. Triptorelin has been available in some countries since 1986.

The FDA has approved Humatrope, Lilly's brand of recombinant human growth hormone (somatropin), for long-term treatment of children with idiopathic, non-growth-hormone-deficient (NGHD) short stature who are more than 2.25 standard deviations below the mean height for their age and sex. This review describes the clinical studies, adverse effects, and includes a cost table for other brands of somatropin.

Methamphetamine, a highly addictive synthetic sympathomimetic, has again become important as a drug of abuse in the US. Its resurgence has been associated with unsafe sexual practices that have resulted in an increase in HIV transmission, particularly among men who have sex with men (SJ Semple et al, J Subst Abuse Treat 2002; 22:149; A Urbina and K Jones, Clin Infect Dis 2004; 38:890).

Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of stroke by a factor of 5. A randomized controlled trial (ACTIVE W) in 6706 patients with atrial fibrillation and one or more additional risk factors (≥75 years old; hypertension; previous stroke, transient ischemic attack or non- CNS embolus; left ventricular ejection fraction <45%; peripheral vascular disease; or 55-74 years old plus diabetes or coronary artery disease) found that a vitamin K antagonist such as warfarin (Coumadin, and others) was superior to clopidogrel (Plavix) plus aspirin in preventing vascular events, especially ischemic...

The FDA has approved a new tablet formulation of bromocriptine mesylate (Cycloset – VeroScience) for treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. Bromocriptine (Parlodel, and others) is an ergot-derived dopamine agonist that has been used for more than 20 years to treat hyperprolactinemia, acromegaly, Parkinson’s disease and restless leg syndrome.

Resmetirom (Rezdiffra – Madrigal), a thyroid hormone receptor-beta agonist, has received accelerated approval from the FDA for treatment of noncirrhotic nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with moderate to advanced fibrosis in adults. NASH has recently been renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Resmetirom is the first drug to be approved in the US for this indication.

The FDA has approved Crexont (Amneal), an extended-release capsule formulation of carbidopa/levodopa, for treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD), postencephalitic parkinsonism, and parkinsonism associated with carbon monoxide or manganese intoxication. Crexont contains a combination of immediate-release carbidopa/levodopa granules and extended-release levodopa pellets. An extended-release carbidopa/levodopa oral capsule (Rytary) has been available from the same manufacturer for years; the patent for Rytary expires in 2025.

Emrosi (Journey), an oral, low-dose, biphasic-release formulation of the tetracycline antibiotic minocycline, has been approved by the FDA for once-daily treatment of inflammatory lesions of rosacea (papules and pustules) in adults. Low-dose, biphasic-release doxycycline (Oracea, and generics) has been available for years for treatment of papulopustular rosacea.

The FDA has approved vonoprazan, a potassium-competitive acid blocker, copackaged with amoxicillin (Voquezna Dual Pak – Phathom) and with amoxicillin and clarithromycin (Voquezna Triple Pak) for treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in adults. Vonoprazan is the first potassium-competitive acid blocker to be approved in the US. It has been available in Japan for treatment of various acid-related disorders since 2014. Vonoprazan is not available alone in the US.

Nonopioid drugs can be used in the treatment of many nociceptive and neuropathic pain conditions. For severe pain, especially severe chronic cancer pain, use of opioids may be necessary. Noninvasive nonpharmacologic treatments, including physical and psychological therapies, have been shown to improve pain and function in patients with some common chronic pain conditions and are unlikely to cause serious harms. A multimodal approach to analgesic therapy can increase pain control while reducing opioid use and adverse effects.