The injectable glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist tirzepatide (Zepbound) has been approved by the FDA for treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity. It is the first drug to be approved in the US for this indication. Zepbound is also approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity and in those who are overweight and have at least one weightrelated comorbidity. Tirzepatide is also available as Mounjaro for treatment of type 2 diabetes.

View the Table: Correct Use of Inhalers for COPD

Esketamine (Spravato – Janssen), an intranasal N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist that was previously approved by the FDA for treatmentresistant depression,1 has now been approved for treatment of depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) and acute suicidal ideation or behavior. Esketamine is the S-enantiomer of the anesthetic ketamine (Ketalar, and generics). It is the first drug to be approved for this indication. Most clinical trials of antidepressants have excluded patients with acute suicidal ideation.

Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy similar to that used to fragment kidney stones or gallstones is a new option for treatment of erectile dysfunction that is now being advertised extensively in the US. It has not been approved by the FDA for treatment of erectile dysfunction.

FluMist (AstraZeneca), the live-attenuated intranasal influenza vaccine that has been available for years for administration by a healthcare provider in nonpregnant persons 2-49 years old, has now been approved by the FDA for self- or caregiver-administration. It is expected to be available for such use during the 2025-2026 influenza season. FluMist is only available through a healthcare provider this season. It will continue to be available for administration by a healthcare provider in the future

The FDA has approved a higher-dose injectable formulation of the opioid antagonist naloxone (Zimhi – Adamis) for emergency treatment of opioid overdose. A single IM or SC injection of the new formulation delivers 5 mg of naloxone; injectable formulations that deliver 0.4 mg or 2 mg of the drug have been available for years. Naloxone is also available in intranasal formulations for the same indication (see Table 1).

The FDA has approved zavegepant nasal spray (Zavzpret – Pfizer) for acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults. Zavzpret is the first nasal spray formulation of a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist ("gepant") to become available in the US.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend using insect repellents to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, ticks, and other arthropods that transmit disease-causing pathogens. Repellents applied to exposed skin should be used in conjunction with other preventive measures such as wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks and avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito-biting times. Some insect repellents are listed in Table 1.

Pediculosis capitis (head lice infestations) occur in all age groups, but especially in elementary school children. In most cases, transmission occurs by head-to-head contact. Pharmacologic treatment is recommended for persons with live lice or eggs (nits) within 1 cm of the scalp. Topical pediculicides should be tried first. Oral therapy is occasionally required for refractory infestations.

Femlyv (Millicent), an orally disintegrating tablet containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone acetate, has been approved by the FDA for prevention of pregnancy in females with a body mass index (BMI) ≤35 kg/m². It is the first hormonal contraceptive to become available in an orally disintegrating tablet formulation. Traditional oral and chewable tablets containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone acetate in a wide range of doses, including those found in Femlyv, have been available in the US for years.