Argatroban, a small-molecule synthetic derivative of L-arginine, is a direct thrombin inhibitor approved by the FDA for use as an anticoagulant in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).

Direct-to-consumer advertisements are promoting the effectiveness of extended-release formulations of tolterodine tartrate (Detrol LA) and oxybutynin (Ditropan XL) for treatment of overactive bladder.

Tacrolimus ointment (Protopic) has been approved by the FDA in 0.03% and 0.1% formulations for treatment of atopic dermatitis. Tacrolimus is used systemically (Prograf) to prevent rejection of organ transplants.

Caspofungin acetate(Cancidas) is the first of a new class of antifungals, the echinocandins. It has been approved by the FDA for treatment of invasive aspergillosis in patients who fail to respond to or are unable to tolerate other antifungal drugs such as amphotericin B and itraconazole.

Most patients with lung cancer present with advanced disease, and fewer than 20% live for five years after diagnosis. Earlier detection of lung cancer, when it is potentially resectable, might improve survival. Recent studies have led some radiology centers to promote spiral computed tomography (CT), which involves much less exposure to radiation than standard CT, as a screening tool for lung cancer.

Botulinum toxin type A (Botox - Allergan) and type B (Myobloc - Elan) are now approved by the FDA for treatment of cervical dystonia. Botulinum toxin type A has been approved since 1989 for treatment of strabismus and blepharospasm. It is also used cosmetically to reduce wrinkles on the face and neck.

Full-page newspaper advertisements are urging patients with high cholesterol levels who are stopping Baycol (cerivastatin) to ask their doctors about Pravachol (pravastatin), Lipitor (atorvastatin), Zocor (simvastatin) or Lescol (fluvastatin). Some advertisements come with a coupon for free medication. Lovastatin, which is available generically, has not appeared in similar advertisements. Cerivastatin was withdrawn from the market on August 8 because of post-marketing reports of 31 cases of fatal rhabdomyolysis.

Methylphenidate is now available in a new extended-release formulation (Metadate CD - Celltech) for treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The new product, which is a Schedule II controlled substance, is being advertised directly to consumers.

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Increasing use of rofecoxib (Vioxx) and celecoxib (Celebrex), both selective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), for treatment of arthristis has been accompanied by concerns that they may increase risk of thrombotic cardiovascular events.

Drotrecogin alfa (activated) (Xigris - Lilly), recombinant human activated protein C, has been approved by the FDA for treatment, in combination with standard therapy, of critically ill adults with severe sepsis and a high risk of death.