Essure (Bayer) is the only nonsurgical, permanent contraceptive available in the US. The coil-like devices are placed hysteroscopically in both fallopian tubes and, after several months, scar tissue causes tubal occlusion.1 In 2016, the FDA required Bayer to revise the device's labeling to include a patient decision checklist and a boxed warning about the risks of uterine and fallopian tube perforation, migration of the device to the abdominal or pelvic cavity, persistent pain, and hypersensitivity reactions. Some women were apparently not being informed of these risks before implantation of...

An FDA panel has recommended that stronger warnings about hepatotoxicity be added to the labeling for acetaminophen (www.fda.gov, search "acetaminophen hepatotoxicity").

The 0.15% nasal spray formulation of the H₁- antihistamine azelastine hydrochloride (Astepro Allergy; Children's Astepro Allergy – Bayer) is now available over the counter (OTC) for temporary relief of nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose due to allergic rhinitis in adults and children ≥6 years old. It is the first intranasal antihistamine to be approved by the FDA for OTC use. Other drugs that are available OTC for treatment of allergic rhinitis symptoms include oral antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, and mast cell stabilizers.

Aspirin is now widely used for antithrombotic prophylaxis in patients who have had angina pectoris or a myocardial infarction and has also been tried in healthy people to prevent myocardial infarction. Recent studies have focused on increasingly lower doses of the drug. The use of aspirin in patients who have had transient ischemic attacks or strokes will not be discussed here.

The FDA has approved Kyleena (Bayer), an intrauterine device (IUD) that releases the synthetic progestin levonorgestrel, for prevention of pregnancy. It is the fourth levonorgestrel-releasing IUD to be approved in the US. Like Mirena, which has been available since 2000, Kyleena is approved for up to 5 years of use.

Finerenone (Kerendia – Bayer), an oral nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA), has been approved by the FDA to reduce the risk of sustained eGFR decline, end-stage renal disease, nonfatal MI, hospitalization for heart failure (HF), and cardiovascular death in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with type 2 diabetes. It is the first nonsteroidal MRA to be approved in the US.

Many drugs, mostly azole derivatives, are marketed in the USA for topical treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. A single-dose, sustained-release formulation of butoconazole nitrate 2% cream (Gynazole 1) is the newest addition. Fluconazole (Diflucan) is approved for single-dose oral treatment.

The FDA has approved a new interferon beta-1b product (Extavia – Novartis) for treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Extavia is identical to Betaseron (Bayer); both are produced in the same factory and packaged separately.

The FDA recently approved Skyla (Bayer), the first new intrauterine device (IUD) in the US in 12 years. It releases levonorgestrel, a synthetic progestin, over a period of 3 years. A table summarizing contraceptive methods available in the US appears on page 22.

Acarbose (Precose -Bayer), an oral alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that has been available in Europe for several years, was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).