Repaglinide (Prandin - Novo Nordisk) is a new oral glucose-lowering agent for treating type 2 diabetes (formerly called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or NIDDM). It has been approved by the FDA for monotherapy or for use in combination with metformin.

Vardenafil (Levitra -Bayer) is the second oral drug approved by the FDA for treatment of erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil (Viagra - Medical Letter 1998; 40:51), the first oral drug, has been available for 5 years. Pharmacokinetics, effectiveness, adverse effects, dosage and cost of the new drug are reviewed. Whether it offers any benefits over sildenafil is discussed.

The FDA has approved the marketing of fingolimod (Gilenya – Novartis) to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations and delay the accumulation of physical disability in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Fingolimod is the first oral drug approved for this indication.

The FDA has approved dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera – Biogen Idec), formerly called BG-12, for treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is the third oral drug to be approved in recent years for this indication.

The FDA has approved the selective alpha_1A-adrenergic receptor agonist oxymetazoline as a 1% cream (Rhofade – Allergan) for topical treatment of persistent facial erythema of rosacea in adults. Brimonidine, a selective alpha₂-adrenergic receptor agonist, was approved in 2013 as a 0.33% gel (Mirvaso) for the same indication. Like Mirvaso, Rhofade is not indicated for treatment of inflammatory lesions of rosacea. Oxymetazoline has been available over the counter for many years as a nasal decongestant spray (Afrin, and others).

View the Comparison Table: H2-Receptor Antagonists and PPIs

The FDA has approved the nitrofuran antiprotozoal drug nifurtimox (Lampit – Bayer) for treatment of Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis) in children who weigh ≥2.5 kg. Nifurtimox was previously available in the US only through a CDC-sponsored Investigational New Drug (IND) program.

Augmentin XR (GlaxoSmithKline), an oral extended-release combination of amoxicillin and the beta-lactamase inhibitor clavulanic acid, is now being promoted for treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis and community-acquired pneumonia. Augmentin XR contains a higher dose of amoxicillin than Augmentin.

The FDA has approved the oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor ripretinib (Qinlock – Deciphera) for treatment of adults with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) who have previously received treatment with ≥3 kinase inhibitors, including imatinib (Gleevec, and generics).

Patients with seasonal allergies often experience nasal itching and congestion, sneezing, rhinorrhea, and itchy, watery eyes. Oral, intranasal, and ophthalmic preparations are widely available over the counter (OTC) for relief of symptoms. Prescription products for management of allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis are reviewed separately.