Micronized fenofibrate (Tricor - Abbott), a fibric acid derivative structurally similar to clofibrate (Atromid-S, and others) and gemfibrozil (Lopid, and others), has been approved by the FDA for treatment of hypertriglyceridemia. Increased serum triglyceride concentrations have been associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease (J Jeppesen et al, Circulation, 97:1029, 1998).

Risedronate (Actonel - Procter & Gamble), a pyridinyl bisphosphonate, has been approved by the FDA for oral treatment of Paget's disease of bone. Characterized by excessive bone resorption, bony deformity, disorganized bone remodeling and structural weakness, Paget's disease occurs in up to 3% of people older than 55 in Europe and North America (PD Delmas and PJ Meunier, N Engl J Med, 336:558, 1997).

High doses of estrogens, with or without a progestin, have been used for many years to prevent pregnancy after unprotected coitus (Medical Letter, 31:93, 1989). Now the FDA has approved marketing of the Preven Emergency Contraceptive Kit (Gynetics, Inc.) for this indication. The kit, which will require a prescription, includes four tablets, each containing 50 g of ethinyl estradiol and 0.25 mg of levonorgestrel, and a pregnancy test to rule out a pre-existing pregnancy, which would be a contraindication to taking the hormones.

Citalopram hydrobromide (Celexa - Forest/Parke-Davis), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) available in Europe since 1989, has now been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of depression. It is being advertised as having a 'favorable side-effect profile.'

Infliximab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits tumor necrosis factor, has received an accelerated approval from the FDA for intravenous treatment of moderate to severe Crohn's disease refractory to other medical treatment.

Orlistat, a lipase inhibitor that decreases absorption of fat from the gastrointestinal tract, is now available for treatment of obesity.

A long-pulse ruby laser (EpiLaser), has been cleared by the FDA for use in "permanent hair reduction."

Spironolactone, an aldosterone receptor antagonist, has been FDA-approved for many years for treatment of edema, hypertension and primary hyperaldosteronism. Recently, it was reported to improve morbidity and mortality in patients with severe heart failure.

Phytoestrogens, plant compounds that are converted to estrogens in the gut, are widely promoted as "natural"substitutes for estrogen in hormone replacement therapy.

The FDA has approved exemestane, an aromatase inhibitor, for the treatment of postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer that has progressed during treatment with tamoxifen.