The FDA has approved a new formulation of fluoxetine for once-weekly maintenance treatment of depression in patients who have responded to daily fluoxetine (Prozac).

The media recently reported that the FDA has threatened to withdraw Synthroid from the market, alarming many physicians and patients.

The FDA has approved marketing of Plan B (Women's Capital Corporation), an emergency contraceptive "pill pack"that contains two 0.75-mg tablets of levonorgestrel.

Alosetron hydrochloride (Lotronex - Glaxo Welcome), a selective serotonin receptor antagonist, has received FDA approval for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women whose primary bowel symptom is diarrhea.

Cevimeline hydrochloride, an acetylcholine derivative, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of dry mouth symptoms caused by Sjogren's syndrome. Presumably it could also be used to treat radiation-induced xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer. Pilocarpine hydrochloride is FDA-approved for both indications

Eflornithine hydrochloride cream 13.9% (Vaniqa - Bristol-Myers Squibb) has been approved by the FDA for reduction of unwanted facial hair in women.

A new needle-free system (cool.click) has been approved by the FDA for subcutaneous delivery of Saizen (recombinant somatotropin - Serono). Somatotropin is used for long-term treatment of children with growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone. Children with growth hormone deficiency require injections daily or several times weekly for many years.

Full-page newspaper advertisements addressed to patients with type 2 diabetes are promoting the convenience of "NEW once-a-day Glucophage XR (metformin HCl extended-release tablets),"and offering a coupon for a free 30-day supply in the month of March.

With the coming of spring, direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertisements in newspapers, in magazines and on television are urging people with seasonal allergies to ask their doctors about one or another of the newer, non-sedating antihistamines.

An automatic, noninvasive, glucose-monitoring device (GlucoWatch Biographer) has been approved for marketing by the FDA. The manufacturer states that it is not meant to replace a regular blood glucose meter.