Arformoterol tartrate (Brovana - Sepracor), a singleisomer, long-acting beta₂-agonist, has been approved by the FDA as an inhalation solution for nebulization for treatment of bronchoconstriction pulmonary disease (COPD). Arformoterol is the (R,R)-enantiomer of formoterol (Foradil), which is available as a powder for inhalation and was recently also approved as a solution for nebulization (Perforomist - Dey; available fall 2007)

The FDA has approved Zepatier (Merck), a fixed-dose combination of two direct-acting antiviral agents — elbasvir, an NS5A inhibitor, and grazoprevir, an NS3/4A protease inhibitor — for oral treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 or 4 infection.

Artesunate for injection (Amivas LLC), a semi-synthetic artemisinin derivative, is now approved by the FDA for initial (induction) treatment of severe malaria in children and adults. It has been available from the CDC on a compassionate use basis since 2007. Artemether/lumefantrine (Coartem), another artemisinin-based drug, was approved earlier for oral treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. IV artesunate is now the only FDA-approved injectable antimalarial drug available in the US; IV quinidine has been discontinued.

View the Comparison Table: Some Oral/Transdermal Opioid Analgesics

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is prevalent in 0.5% of adults in the US; it is about 2.5 times more common in women than in men. Guidelines for treatment of RA from the American College of Rheumatology were recently updated. The goal of treatment is to minimize disease activity and prevent irreversible joint damage.

This article includes recommendations for management of most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) other than HIV and viral hepatitis. Some of the indications and dosages recommended here have not been approved by the FDA (see Table 1).

Overweight is generally defined as a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 29.9 kg/m2 in adults. A BMI ≥30 is considered obese (criteria differ slightly in Asian patients). In patients with an elevated BMI, a 5-10% reduction in weight has been associated with a reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Diet, exercise, and behavior modification are the traditional methods for losing weight, but they are often inadequate; the American College of Cardiology no longer recommends that all patients try lifestyle modification alone before adding...

Rotigotine (Neupro - Schwarz Pharma), a nonergot dopamine agonist in a transdermal patch formulation, was recently approved by the FDA for treatment of early Parkinson's disease (PD).

Rasagiline (Azilect - Teva), a monoamine oxidase-type B (MAO-B) inhibitor, was recently approved by the FDA for once-daily oral treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). It can be taken alone for treatment of early disease or with levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet, and others) for advanced disease. Selegiline (Eldepryl, and others), the first MAO-B inhibitor marketed in the US, has been available since 1988; a new lower-dose disintegrating tablet (Zelapar) was recently approved.

Aliskiren (ah LIS ker in; Tekturna - Novartis), the first direct renin inhibitor, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of hypertension. It is indicated for oral use either as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.