The FDA has approved Aptensio XR (Rhodes), an extended-release formulation of methylphenidate hydrochloride, for treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The Aptensio XR capsules contain multilayer beads designed to provide both a rapid onset and a long duration of action. This formulation of methylphenidate has been available in Canada as Biphentin since 2006.

The FDA has approved the subcutaneously injected PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9) inhibitor alirocumab (Praluent – Sanofi/Regeneron) as an adjunct to diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy for adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) or clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who require additional lowering of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C). It was not approved for general use in statin-intolerant patients. Alirocumab is the first PCSK9 inhibitor to be approved in the US. Evolocumab (Repatha – Amgen), another PCSK9 inhibitor, was...

The FDA has approved a fixed-dose combination of the amide local anesthetic bupivacaine and the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) meloxicam as an extended-release (ER) solution (Zynrelef – Heron) for single-dose, intraoperative, soft-tissue or periarticular instillation to provide postsurgical analgesia for up to 72 hours in adults undergoing foot and ankle, small-to-medium open abdominal, or lower extremity total joint arthroplasty surgical procedures.

The FDA has approved ziconotide (Prialt - Elan) intrathecal infusion for management of severe chronic pain in patients who are intolerant of or refractory to other treatments. Ziconotide is a synthetic neuronal N-type calcium channel blocker. It is intended for use with a programmable implanted microinfusion device, but an external microinfusion device can be used temporarily.

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting fine needles for therapeutic purposes into points on the skin known as acupoints. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, these points arefound along channels that conduct "qi" (pronounced "chee"), or energy. In addition to insertion of needles, acupoints can be stimulated by heat, electrical current or just pressure.

MoviPrep (Salix) is a new polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based bowel cleansing preparation approved for use in adults prior to colonoscopy. It contains ascorbic acid, which acts as an additional cathartic and flavoring agent, and requires a lower volume of fluid (3 L compared to the traditional 4 L) than most other PEG products. HalfLytely is an FDA-approved 2-L PEG product, but it must be taken with bisacodyl.

In the US, over one third of adults under the age of 35 and about one quarter of those aged 18-50 now have at least one tattoo. In later life, some people come to regret their tattoos, but tattoo inks can be difficult and expensive to remove.2 Recently, some new tattoo inks have been designed for improved safety and ease of removal.

Retapamulin (re-tap'-a-mue'-lin; Altabax - Glaxo SmithKline) is a topical antibiotic recently approved by the FDA for treatment of bullous and non-bullous impetigo due to Streptococcus pyogenes and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus. It is available as a 1% ointment by prescription only.

The FDA has approved the proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) dexlansoprazole (Kapidex - Takeda), a delayed release formulation of the R-enantiomer of lansoprazole (Prevacid - Takeda), for treating and maintaining healing of erosive esophagitis and for treatment of heartburn associated with non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Colonoscopy remains the preferred method of colorectal cancer screening. Many patients consider cleansing the bowel in preparation for colonoscopy the most unpleasant part of the procedure, but inadequate bowel preparation significantly lowers the diagnostic yield.