Differin Gel 0.1% (Galderma), a topical formulation of the retinoid adapalene, will soon be available over the counter (OTC) for once-daily treatment of acne in patients ≥12 years old. It is the first topical retinoid to be approved for sale over the counter.All topical retinoids normalize keratinization and appear to have anti-inflammatory effects; whether any one topical retinoid is more effective than any other is not clear. Many dermatologists now recommend topical retinoids for first-line treatment of acne; they can be used alone or in combination with antibiotics to treat both inflamed...

Tegaserod maleate (Zelnorm), a 5-HT4 receptor partial agonist that increases gastrointestinal (GI) motility, was approved by the FDA in 2002 for short-term treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in women and in 2004 for treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults <65 years old.In 2007, the manufacturer (Novartis) complied with an FDA request to stop marketing the drug based on an unpublished retrospective analysis of clinical trials in IBS-C and other GI motility disorders that showed a higher rate of ischemic cardiovascular events (including...

Opioids delay gastric emptying and the absorption of many oral drugs, including the P2Y₁₂ inhibitors clopidogrel (Plavix, and generics), prasugrel (Effient, and generics), and ticagrelor (Brilinta), which are commonly used for initial treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). An article in our February 25, 2019 issue reviewed studies showing that coadministration of opioids delayed and decreased absorption of oral P2Y₁₂ inhibitors and increased platelet reactivity. Recently published clinical outcomes data may add to these concerns.

In 2013 the FDA approved one new drug and a new combination of 2 old drugs as adjuncts to lifestyle changes for chronic weight management. Lorcaserin (lor-ca-SER-in; Belviq – Arena/Esai) is a selective serotonin 2C receptor agonist. Qsymia (Vivus) is a fixed-dose combination of the weight-loss drug phentermine and an extended-release (ER) formulation of topiramate. The new products are approved for use in obese patients (body mass index [BMI] of ≥30 kg/m2) and for patients who are overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m2) and have one weight-related risk factor such as hypertension, dyslipidemia or...

Colonoscopy remains the preferred method of colorectal cancer screening. Many patients consider cleansing the bowel in preparation for colonoscopy the most unpleasant part of the procedure, but inadequate bowel preparation significantly lowers the diagnostic yield.

The FDA has approved Odefsey (Gilead), a once-daily, fixed-dose combination of the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) rilpivirine and the nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide, for initial treatment of HIV-1 infection in patients with HIV-1 RNA (viral load) ≤100,000 copies/mL or to replace a stable antiretroviral regimen in patients who have been virologically suppressed (viral load <50 copies/mL) for at least six months with no history of treatment failure.

The FDA has approved tenapanor (Ibsrela - Ardelyx), a sodium/hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3) inhibitor, for twice-daily oral treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adults. Tenapanor is the first NHE3 inhibitor to become available in the US.

The FDA has licensed new 2025-2026 formulations of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty) and Moderna (Spikevax, mNEXSPIKE) and the adjuvanted protein subunit COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Novavax (Nuvaxovid). The new formulations are indicated for use in all adults ≥65 years old and in persons 6 months (Spikevax), 5 years (Comirnaty), or 12 years (mNEXSPIKE, Nuvaxovid) through 64 years old who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 because of an underlying condition. An Emergency Use Authorization allowing administration of the Pfizer vaccine to...

Docetaxel (Taxotere - Rh ne-Poulenc Rorer), a semisynthetic taxoid similar to paclitaxel (Taxol - Medical Letter, 35:39, 1993), has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer that has progressed or relapsed during treatment that included an anthracycline such as doxorubicin (Adriamycin, and others).

Sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn) have become the standard treatment for erectile dysfunction. Head-to-head comparisons of these agents are still lacking, but some differences between them and new recommendations for their dosing (see Table 2) are worth noting.