First Oral Treatment Specific for Postpartum Depression.

Postpartum depression is one of the most common perinatal mood disorders. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first oral medication developed specifically for the treatment of postpartum depression in August 2023. Zuranolone, marketed under the brand name Zurzuvae (Sage Therapeutics, Inc. and Biogen), is thought to work similarly to other positive allosteric modulators of gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptors such as benzodiazepines. It can be used alone or as an adjunct to other oral antidepressant medication. Its 2-week regimen of once-daily oral administration provides women with postpartum depression the opportunity to maintain their daily routines in an outpatient setting. This article provides an overview of zuranolone, including indications, mechanism of action, potential adverse reactions, and implications for nursing practice.

Semaglutide Is a New Once-Daily Oral Medication to Treat Type 2 Diabetes.

Semaglutide is an oral glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist approved in 2019 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is marketed under the brand name Rybelsus and was approved to be used in conjunction with lifestyle modifications to treat individuals with type 2 diabetes. It is the first in its drug class to be administered in a once-daily oral form. Through its actions on glucose control and body weight, this once-daily oral medication could contribute to better glycemic control and healthier lives for many women with type 2 diabetes.

Cefiderocol for Infections Caused by Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria.

In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved cefiderocol, a new treatment option for individuals with complicated urinary tract infections. Cefiderocol is a cephalosporin antibiotic indicated for use in adults 18 years or older who have minimal treatment options due to resistance for complicated urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter cloacae complex. The recommended dose of cefiderocol is 2 g intravenously every 8 hours infused over 3 hours. The dose is adjusted for individuals with creatinine clearance of less than 60 ml/min or greater than 120 ml/min. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and constipation are the most common adverse events reported by individuals taking cefiderocol.

Lasmiditan Is a New Option for Acute Migraine Treatment.

Lasmiditan is a new oral medication for treatment of acute migraine. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in October 2019 and is marketed under the brand name Reyvow (Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN). It is the first of its kind in a new drug class called ditans. Lasmiditan has been studied as monotherapy for acute migraine treatment and as an abortive therapy for adults taking chronic migraine preventive medication. Lasmiditan may be an option for individuals who have had no relief with triptans or other acute migraine treatment agents or who are unable to use other migraine treatments because of contraindications.

Measles-What's Old Is New Again.

Measles (rubeola) was once nearly eradicated in the United States. Unfortunately, it has reappeared, with more than three times the number of confirmed cases in 2019 than in 2018. The virus, which produces a distinct rash that appears within days of exposure, can spread quickly and can produce severe complications. There is no cure; treatment is supportive care. Measles was once a minimal concern in the United States due to high vaccination rates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that, because of the increase in individuals traveling to countries with high rates of measles and the fact that fewer U.S. children are being immunized against measles, the incidence of measles will likely continue to rise in the United States. It is vital that nurses and other health care providers educate individuals about the importance of the prevention and treatment of measles.

New Osteoporosis Treatment Means New Bone Formation.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved romosozumab as a new osteoporosis drug in April 2019. Marketed under the brand name Evenity (Amgen, Thousand Oaks, CA), it is a sclerostin inhibitor that promotes new bone formation. It is the first in its drug class to work by increasing bone formation and also preventing bone resorption. It has been approved for use in postmenopausal women at greater risk for bone fracture. Romosozumab is administered once monthly in injection form for 12 consecutive months.

A New Year-Long Combination Hormonal Contraceptive.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a new combination hormonal contraceptive in August 2018. Sold under the brand name Annovera, it is a combination of segesterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol, and it is the first multiuse vaginal contraceptive system that prevents ovulation for up to 13 menstrual cycles in a year. Although there are several combination hormonal contraceptives on the market, this is the first single system that can be repeatedly used for an entire year and does not require placement by a health care provider. This innovation gives women control over when to stop using the contraceptive, should they so desire. Annovera is stored at room temperature when not in use, allowing women living in uncontrolled-temperature climates to use one contraceptive method for an entire year.

Gastrointestinal Disturbances in the Elderly.

Gastrointestinal (GI) age-related changes create alterations in the body's ability to digest, absorb, and excrete nutrients, medications, and alcohol and disrupts GI immunity responses. All older adults exhibit some degree of swallowing difficulty, also known as senescent swallowing. The effects of chronic disease and sustained use of alcohol, tobacco, and medications often exacerbate age-related GI dysfunction. Older adults often have nonspecific complaints, warranting a thorough health history and physical examination, including prescription and over-the-counter medications. Colorectal cancer screening tests should be discussed with all older adults because of the high incidence of colorectal cancer in this patient population.