The FDA has approved insulin degludec (Tresiba – Novo Nordisk) for treatment of adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Insulin degludec is the third long-acting human insulin analog to be approved by the FDA; insulin detemir (Levemir) and insulin glargine (Lantus, Toujeo) were approved earlier.

Three coordinated double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy of one year of testosterone replacement therapy in improving sexual function, physical function, and vitality in a total of 790 men ≥65 years old with moderately low serum testosterone concentrations and symptoms suggesting hypoandrogenism. Sexual function improved modestly, and there appeared to be marginal benefits in some areas of physical function and vitality as well. The trials were not designed to evaluate the safety of testosterone replacement therapy.

Many nitrates, beta-blockers, and calcium-channel blockers have now been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of stable angina pectoris. The table beginning on page 112 lists the individual drugs, their dosage, and their cost.

The FDA has approved a transmucosal tablet formulation of fentanyl citrate (Fentora - Cephalon) for management of breakthrough pain in opioid-tolerant patients with cancer. An oral transmucosal fentanyl lozenge on a stick (Actiq, and others) is also available for this indication, and is widely used off-label for chronic, non-cancer pain as well.

View the Expanded Table: Some Available Insulins

The FDA has approved Bijuva (TherapeuticsMD), a fixed-dose combination of estradiol and progesterone, for oral treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes) due to menopause in women with an intact uterus. The manufacturer is marketing Bijuva as "the first and only FDA-approved combination of bio-identical estradiol and bio-identical progesterone in a single daily oral capsule".

An oral nonopioid analgesic is often sufficient for acute treatment of mild to moderate migraine pain without severe nausea or vomiting. A triptan is the drug of choice for treatment of moderate to severe migraine in most patients without vascular disease. Treatment of pain when it is still mild to moderate in intensity improves headache response and reduces the risk of recurrence.

Pioglitazone is the third thiazolidinedione ("glitazone") to be marketed in the USA for treatment of type 2 diabetes. Thiazolidinediones decrease resistance to insulin.

View the Treatment of COVID-19 in High-Risk Outpatients Chart

View the Comparison Chart: Interleukin (IL) Receptor Antagonists for Atopic Dermatitis