The FDA has warned that the investigational long-acting monoclonal antibodies tixagevimab and cilgavimab (Evusheld – AstraZeneca) are unlikely to neutralize the XBB.1.5 Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. Evusheld is available under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for IM pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19 in persons ≥12 years old who weigh ≥40 kg and have either a history of a severe adverse reaction that prevents their vaccination against COVID-19 or moderate or severe immune compromise.

The FDA has approved two additional doses (3 mg and 4.5 mg) of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist dulaglutide (Trulicity – Lilly) for treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. Dulaglutide has been available in 0.75- and 1.5-mg doses for years.

An oral formulation of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist semaglutide (Rybelsus – Novo Nordisk) has been approved by the FDA for once-daily treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. Semaglutide, which has been available in a subcutaneously-injected formulation (Ozempic) since 2017, is the first GLP-1 receptor agonist to become available for oral administration; the 4 other GLP-1 receptor agonists currently available in the US are administered by subcutaneous (SC) injection.

Two types of oral contraceptives are available in the USA: combination oral contraceptives that contain both an estrogen and a progestin, and progestin-only contraceptives, or "mini-pills."Used as directed, all oral contraceptives marketed in the USA are similarly effective in preventing pregnancy.

View the Comparison Chart: SGLT2 Inhibitors

View Figure 2: Pneumococcal Vaccine Recommendations for Adults ≥65 Years Old

An oral contraceptive (Yasmin - Berlex) containing 3 mg of drospirenone and 30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol is being promoted as having a low incidence of adverse effects.

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has issued a Draft Recommendation Statement saying, in effect, that community-dwelling women and men should not take calcium and vitamin D supplements for primary prevention of osteoporotic fractures because the evidence that they are helpful is insufficient and they increase the risk of kidney stones. The Medical Letter has said previously that there is no evidence that patients with an adequate intake of calcium (1000-1200 mg/day) and vitamin D (600-800 IU/day) will benefit from taking supplements.11. Drugs for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Treat...

The FDA has approved the oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor baricitinib (Olumiant) for treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized adults who require supplemental oxygen, mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Baricitinib was previously available for this indication under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA); it remains available under an EUA for use in children 2-17 years old hospitalized with COVID-19 who require oxygen support.

Liraglutide (Victoza – Novo Nordisk), a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist given by subcutaneous injection, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. It can be used alone or in addition to oral antidiabetic drugs such as metformin (Glucophage, and others) or glimepiride (Amaryl, and others). Liraglutide is not recommended for first-line therapy and is not approved for use with insulin.