Outpatient Medicine Update-Pharmacy update

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This pharmacy update reviews recent FDA approvals and emerging medication evidence across many areas. More than 80 biosimilars are now approved, often costing 15–35% less than their reference products, with further streamlining expected to expand access. New options discussed include bemotrizinol sunscreen; tradipitant for motion sickness; combination pills and aldosterone-synthesis inhibition for difficult-to-control hypertension; and sublingual cyclobenzaprine for fibromyalgia.<br /><br />For acute pain, non-opioid suzetrigine performed similarly to hydrocodone/acetaminophen in short surgical-pain trials. Two neurokinin-targeting drugs can reduce menopausal hot flashes, though one requires liver monitoring. Testosterone’s cardiovascular boxed warning was removed after a large trial found no increase in major cardiovascular events, while noting signals for atrial fibrillation and kidney injury.<br /><br />Other developments include new antibiotic classes for urinary infections and gonorrhea, vonoprazan for acid-related disorders, a muscarinic-based treatment for schizophrenia, quetiapine as an adjunct for treatment-resistant depression, and new therapies for myasthenia gravis. An oral PCSK9 inhibitor substantially lowered LDL, while a new IPF drug slowed lung-function decline but is costly. Overall, the presentation emphasizes potential benefits, safety concerns, costs, and the need for further real-world evidence.

Keywords

FDA approvals

biosimilars

non-opioid pain treatment

hypertension therapies

menopausal hot flashes

testosterone cardiovascular safety

PCSK9 inhibitor

antibiotic resistance

fibromyalgia treatment