Glofitamab-gxbm (Columvi – Genentech), a bispecific CD20-directed CD3 T-cell engager, has received accelerated approval from the FDA for IV treatment of relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified, or large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) arising from follicular lymphoma after ≥2 lines of systemic therapy. Accelerated approval was based on response rates and durability of response. Glofitamab is the second T-cell-engaging bispecific antibody to be approved in the US for treatment of DLBCL; epcoritamab-bysp (Epkinly), which is given...

The FDA has approved a 0.25% ophthalmic solution of the ectoparasiticide lotilaner (Xdemvy – Tarsus) for treatment of Demodex blepharitis. Lotilaner is the first drug to be approved in the US for this indication.

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 Clenpiq (Ferring), a low-volume oral solution that contains sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide, and anhydrous citric acid, for colon cleansing prior to colonoscopy in adults. The ready-to-drink solution contains the same ingredients as Prepopik, which is supplied as a powder for reconstitution.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the etonogestrel implant are the most effective reversible contraceptive methods available. Hormonal oral contraceptives, patches, rings, and injectables are also effective in preventing pregnancy. When used alone, barrier and behavioral methods generally have higher failure rates than other methods (see Table 1). Selection of a contraceptive method is usually based on patient-specific factors and personal preference

American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines for treatment of hypertension were last published in 2018. Treatment of hypertensive urgencies and emergencies is not discussed here.

View the Comparison Chart: Some Drugs for HFrEF

View the Comparison Table: Some Oral Antiseizure Medications

Pharmacologic management of chronic heart failure (HF) is primarily determined by the patient's left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and severity of symptoms. Patients with chronic HF who have an LVEF ≤40% are considered to have heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and those with an LVEF ≥50% are considered to have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Patients with an LVEF of 41-49% have heart failure with mildly reduced or mid-range ejection fraction.

Vasodilators are widely used for treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF) that has not responded adequately to diuretics and digitalis. Vasodilator drugs redistribute blood volume in patients with heart failure, lowering pressure and reducing volume in the failing left ventricle, which leads to increased cardiac output, decreased pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, and improved exercise tolerance. Since the last Medical Letter review of this subject (Volume 26, page 115, 1984), some additional data have become available.