The FDA has approved a subcutaneously injected, extended-release formulation of the mu-opioid receptor partial agonist and kappa-opioid receptor antagonist buprenorphine (Brixadi – Braeburn) for once-weekly or once-monthly treatment of moderate to severe opioid use disorder. Brixadi is the second subcutaneously injected buprenorphine formulation to be approved in the US; Sublocade, which is administered once monthly, was the first. Buprenorphine is also available for treatment of opioid use disorder in sublingual formulations with and without the opioid antagonist...

Nemolizumab (Nemluvio – Galderma), a subcutaneously injected interleukin-31 (IL-31) receptor antagonist, has been approved by the FDA for use in combination with topical corticosteroids and/or calcineurin inhibitors for treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in patients ≥12 years old whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription drugs. It is the first IL-31 receptor antagonist to be approved in the US for this indication. Nemolizumab was approved earlier for treatment of prurigo nodularis in adults.

The FDA has licensed two new pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) for prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease in adults: Prevnar 20 (PCV20; Pfizer), which contains antigens from 20 serotypes of pneumococcus, and Vaxneuvance (PCV15; Merck), which contains antigens from 15 serotypes. Two other pneumococcal vaccines are available in the US: Prevnar 13 (PCV13; Pfizer), a 13-valent conjugate vaccine licensed for use in persons ≥6 weeks old, and Pneumovax 23 (PPSV23; Merck), a 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine licensed for use in persons ≥2 years...

View the Comparison Table: Some Nonopioid Analgesics for Pain

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.

Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP; normal range 8-22 mm Hg), which is the only disease-related factor that can be modified. Topical drugs that lower IOP are the first line of treatment for open-angle glaucoma.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends use of certain vaccines in adults residing in the US. Routine childhood immunization has reduced the overall incidence of some of these vaccine-preventable diseases, but many adults remain susceptible. Recommendations for vaccination against COVID-19, seasonal influenza, and monkeypox and vaccination of travelers have been reviewed separately.

Influenza is generally a self-limited illness, but pneumonia, respiratory failure, and death can occur, especially in persons at increased risk for influenza complications (see Table 1). Updated information on influenza activity and antiviral resistance is available from the CDC at cdc.gov/flu.

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.

View the Comparison Table: Some Oral Antiseizure Medications