Dear Readers: As 2013 comes to a close, here is a recap of some prescription drugs, test kits and over-the-counter medications approved by the Federal Drug Administration this year. 
 FluNada (nasal/throat spray) homeopathic, OTC: Spray to stop cold and flu-like symptoms with this new natural remedy that contains a homeopathic blend of mint, wintergreen, eucalyptus and elderberry. Spray it in your mouth, and nasal passages, right where the bugs try to enter your body. The kill rate of FluNada was tested by 2 independent labs and found to be 99.9 percent. 
 Vizamyl (flutemetamol) injection, Rx: Can this compound detect Alzheimer's disease at an earlier stage? Think of it as a contrast dye used for PET imaging, because it attaches to beta amyloid plaques in the brain which dementia patients often have. 
 Fetzima (levomilnacipran) extended release capsules, Rx: This is what pharmacists call a "me too" drug because its works like other SNRI "serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor" drugs. Older ones include Effexor, Pristiq, Cymbalta and Savella, and they improve levels of two key brain neurotransmitters involved in major depression, as well as fibromyalgia, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive and anxiety. 
 Adempas (riociguat) tablets, Rx: The year 2013 brought approvals for several lung drugs, among them Adempas for pulmonary hypertension. The disease forces your heart to work harder. The other brand new medication that works similarly is Opsamut (macitentan). 
 Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium and vilanterol) inhalation powder, Rx: Inhaled once daily, it helps with asthma, bronchitis and other lung disorders. Don't confuse that with Breo Ellipta, a drug with similar benefits to breathing but different active ingredients. 
 Clinolipid (soybean and olive oil) injection, Rx: Would you ever think to inject yourself with olive or soybean oil? This is a drug used to support nutrition in adults and it's given intravenously. It provides calories and essential fatty acids. You can't get it if you are allergic to eggs, soybean or olive oil. 
 Zubsolv (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual tablets, Rx: This helps people who are dependent on painkillers such as opiates (hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, etc.). The drug is intended as part of a bigger program to treat drug addiction such as counseling and psychosocial support. The makers of Zubsolv have simultaneously launched an around-the-clock support program that's online. It's designed with input from patients in recovery. 
 Zephrex-D (pseudoephedrine) tablets, OTC: It's to unstuff your nose and relieve sinus headache. It's the world's first meth-resistant pseudoephedrine tablet, designed to keep bad people from turning cold medicine into speed. Decongestants are often messed with but it's impossible with Zephrex-D, because the makers invested in new technology that locks the drug in place. 
 Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) tablets, Rx: For chronic hepatitis C virus without the need for interferon. This drug blocks a specific protein needed by the virus that allows it to replicate. 
 NovoPen Echo: The only insulin device which can dispense tiny doses like a half unit, making it appealing for children. It also has memory capabilities.

Dear Readers: As 2013 comes to a close, here is a recap of some prescription drugs, test kits and over-the-counter medications approved by the Federal Drug Administration this year. FluNada (nasal/throat spray) homeopathic, OTC: Spray to stop cold and flu-like symptoms with this new natural remedy that contains a homeopathic blend of mint, wintergreen, eucalyptus and elderberry. Spray it in your mouth, and nasal passages, right where the bugs try to enter your body. The kill rate of FluNada was tested by 2 independent labs and found to be 99.9 percent. Vizamyl (flutemetamol) injection, Rx: Can this compound detect Alzheimer's disease at an earlier stage? Think of it as a contrast dye used for PET imaging, because it attaches to beta amyloid plaques in the brain which dementia patients often have. Fetzima (levomilnacipran) extended release capsules, Rx: This is what pharmacists call a "me too" drug because its works like other SNRI "serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor" drugs. Older ones include Effexor, Pristiq, Cymbalta and Savella, and they improve levels of two key brain neurotransmitters involved in major depression, as well as fibromyalgia, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive and anxiety. Adempas (riociguat) tablets, Rx: The year 2013 brought approvals for several lung drugs, among them Adempas for pulmonary hypertension. The disease forces your heart to work harder. The other brand new medication that works similarly is Opsamut (macitentan). Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium and vilanterol) inhalation powder, Rx: Inhaled once daily, it helps with asthma, bronchitis and other lung disorders. Don't confuse that with Breo Ellipta, a drug with similar benefits to breathing but different active ingredients. Clinolipid (soybean and olive oil) injection, Rx: Would you ever think to inject yourself with olive or soybean oil? This is a drug used to support nutrition in adults and it's given intravenously. It provides calories and essential fatty acids. You can't get it if you are allergic to eggs, soybean or olive oil. Zubsolv (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual tablets, Rx: This helps people who are dependent on painkillers such as opiates (hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, etc.). The drug is intended as part of a bigger program to treat drug addiction such as counseling and psychosocial support. The makers of Zubsolv have simultaneously launched an around-the-clock support program that's online. It's designed with input from patients in recovery. Zephrex-D (pseudoephedrine) tablets, OTC: It's to unstuff your nose and relieve sinus headache. It's the world's first meth-resistant pseudoephedrine tablet, designed to keep bad people from turning cold medicine into speed. Decongestants are often messed with but it's impossible with Zephrex-D, because the makers invested in new technology that locks the drug in place. Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) tablets, Rx: For chronic hepatitis C virus without the need for interferon. This drug blocks a specific protein needed by the virus that allows it to replicate. NovoPen Echo: The only insulin device which can dispense tiny doses like a half unit, making it appealing for children. It also has memory capabilities.

News

Health

HSPHARM28

Drugs approved by the FDA in 2013

Newsday

drug bottle generic pill jcm meds

Most Popular

Latest videos

Health video slot

President and CEO of Nassau University Medical Center Thomas Stokes explains the problems caused by the aging infrastructure within the hospital. Newsday Associate Editor Joye Brown reports.

'You could have a catastrophic failure'

During a tour of the public hospital's campus, CEO Thomas Stokes said upgrades to aging infrastructure would cost "hundreds of millions of dollars." But there aren't yet plans to replace it. Newsday Associate Editor Joye Brown reports.

'It would cost hundreds of millions of dollars'

The test represents the latest effort to combat Lyme, the most common tick-borne disease in the United States. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa spoke with local experts on what you can do to prevent this disease.

'You have to check your entire body'

Tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, has been reported in Suffolk County. It's a rare disease that can spread to humans via ticks. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa has more.

How to avoid contracting tularemia

Sign up for the Health newsletter

Health Newsletter Widget

The World Trade Center Health Program has made "major advances" in identifying and treating 9/11-related health conditions, the report said.

'Not a one day event:' More than 12,000 from FDNY diagnosed with 9/11-related illness, department report says

Health Article Bottom Module

"Ticks really are a rising threat," the state health commissioner said Tuesday in Hampton Bays.

'The ticks are winning': Lyme disease cases jump roughly 16% in NYS

Mount Sinai Health's new center will offer orthopedic and spinal surgery among other services.

New $20M ambulatory surgical center to open in Nassau

The World Trade Center Health Program is working to raise awareness to young adults who may not realize they qualify for the program.

9/11-related ailments strike people who were kids when the towers fell

Advocates, who noted more than a dozen states track alpha-gal cases, applauded the change.

NY to track 'red-meat allergy' alpha-gal cases caused by lone star tick bites

"Vincent was so much more than the way he died," said a Northport mother who lost her son, 25, to opioid addiction, at a vigil honoring his and others' memories.

Northport mother shares story of her son lost to opioid abuse during National Recovery Month

This is the second Long Island case this year and the fourth in the state, health officials said Wednesday.

Nassau's first West Nile case reported

Health Video Playlist

Seth Kurpiel, who suffered a broken neck in 2025, reconnected with the medical professionals who helped him get back on his feet. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger has more.

'The impossible is possible'

NewsdayTV's Jamie Stuart talked to Medford's Matthew Schuster about competing in the 2026 Special Olympics.

'Every race, Matthew shows his heart'

McGorry received a life-saving liver transplant from a friend last month. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'I'm blessed that I have somebody like Sue'

Long Island's first new hospital since 1980 could increase competition and lead to fewer trips to Manhattan for medical procedures. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa leads a discussion with Newsday health reporter David Olson and Cindy Kaye-Fink, a heart transplant patient from East Meadow.

'It would be much easier'

There has been an increase in children ending up in the emergency room after ingesting cannabis, according to a new study from the state Department of Health. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

Children as young as 5 years old hospitalized with cannabis poisoning

There have been 394 reported cases of cyclosporiasis in New York State since May 1. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports on what you need to know about the parasite outbreak.

'The spread ... is becoming more extensive'

DeVuono describes her scheme to an undercover investigator in January 2022.

See the undercover video of the DeVuono sting

The foundation paid for staff events at wine bars, a $2,000 limo ride and a Gracie Mansion gala. Newsday investigative reporter Peter D'auria, Richard Kessel, current chairman of the Nassau Health Care Corporation and Albany Law School professor Randle Pollard discuss.

'It should exist for the benefit of the hospital'

Homepage Trending

First day of school on LI dates

Newsday Investigates

Wallet Watch

Labor Day weekend on LI

YOUR HEALTH

Your Health videos

<a href="https://www.newsday.com/video/newsdaytv-top-stories">Get more on these and other NewsdayTV stories</a>

Newsday TV

NewsdayTV Top Item

NY ICE arrest numbers ... Public housing wait time ... High school football season cancelled ... Let's Go: GoBoats East Quogue

NY ICE arrest numbers ... High school football season cancelled .. Let's Go: GoBoats East Quogue

Public housing wait times ... High school cancels football season ... Nepal flood survivor speaks ... Tracking scattered storms ... Hollywood hits the Hamptons

App Nativo Ad Unit Slot

Health - megaslot


Get the latest health news from Newsday, including COVID-19, health care costs, hospitals, cancer, vaccines, fitness and weight loss.

Most Popular

Latest videos

Stay logged in.