The FDA has approved Dextenza (Ocular Therapeutix), a dexamethasone ophthalmic insert, for treatment of ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. Dextenza was approved earlier for treatment of ocular inflammation and pain following ophthalmic surgery.

View the Comparison Chart: Correct Use of Inhalers for Asthma

The FDA has approved anifrolumab-fnia (Saphnelo – AstraZeneca), a type I interferon receptor antagonist, for IV treatment of adults with moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who are receiving standard treatment. Anifrolumab has not been studied in patients with severe active lupus nephritis or severe active CNS lupus. It is the first type I interferon receptor antagonist to become available in the US.

The goal of asthma treatment is to control symptoms, prevent exacerbations, and maintain normal lung function. Management of acute exacerbations in the emergency department is not discussed here.

Teprotumumab-trbw (Tepezza - Horizon), an insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) inhibitor, has been approved by the FDA for IV treatment of thyroid eye disease. It is the first drug to be approved in the US for this indication.

Initial treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) depends on the severity of symptoms and whether they are intermittent or persistent (see Table 1).

The FDA has approved loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.25% (Eysuvis – Kala) for short-term treatment (≤2 weeks) of dry eye disease. It is the first ocular corticosteroid to be approved for this indication. Other formulations of loteprednol are approved for treatment of steroid-responsive ocular inflammatory conditions, inflammation after ocular surgery, and seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.

View the Table: Safety of Drugs for IBD in Pregnancy

Drugs for gout are used to reduce the pain and inflammation of acute flares, decrease the frequency of exacerbations, and lower serum urate levels to prevent recurrent flares, development of tophi, and joint damage.

The FDA has approved Airsupra (AstraZeneca), a metered-dose inhaler containing the short-acting beta₂-agonist (SABA) albuterol and the inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) budesonide, for use as needed for treatment or prevention of bronchoconstriction and to reduce the risk of exacerbations in patients ≥18 years old with asthma. Airsupra is the first combination of a SABA and an ICS to become available in the US. It is not approved for use as maintenance therapy.