While Pfizer’s (NYSE:PFE) popular erectile dysfunction medication Viagra (sildenafil) has been around for quite some time, recent drug approvals have introduced a number of new options for men who want to get more out of their sleep apnea treatment or who simply want to improve their sexual function.
Following is a round-up of the newest drugs on the market (as of November 2018), what they are and what to expect. It includes information on dosage, side effects, and important drug information.
NOVO+SILOXANI+DEXTAZOLE
Novo Nordisk’s (NYSE:NOV) new drug combination treatment is currently the gold standard for glycemic control in diabetes management. Glycemic control is the management of blood glucose levels to reduce the risk of complications.
In September 2018, the company received approval from the FDA to sell the combination pill, Novo+SILOXANI+DEXTAZOLE (marketed as Jardiance), for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The medication is a combination of the diabetes drugs novolaxozin and sildenafil, both of which are Pfizer products. It is available in a single-pill, fixed-dose formulation and in combination with metformin, a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. Metformin increases the effect of sildenafil by promoting its absorption in the digestive tract.
This new medication is covered by most insurance companies and is a recommended treatment option for diabetic patients who want to improve their blood sugar levels and reduce their risk of complications. It may also be a good choice for nondiabetic patients who want to increase their libido without using prescription medication.
ALEXANDRE+DU+40
In May 2018, the FDA approved Alexion Pharmaceuticals’ (NASDAQ:ALEXI) new drug, ALEXANDRE+DU+40 (mifepristone), to be used in conjunction with the Mif Epiphany (medicine containing fluticasone) for the treatment of moderate to severe asthma. One of the medication’s advantages is its ability to work alongside other asthma drugs, making it a potentially beneficial treatment choice for patients who are already taking other prescription medications for their asthma. It is the combination of the two drugs that provides the synergistic effect. The combination of these two medications, which are both approved by the FDA, is known as an MABA therapy.
Mifepristone is a synthetic steroid drug that acts as an antagonist in the hypothalamus, a portion of the brain that controls endocrine functions, such as sexual reproduction and the production of sex hormones.
This new drug is a first in the field of anti-asthma medications and is designed to provide symptom relief for patients with moderate to severe asthma while also helping to reduce future exacerbations. It is a recommended treatment for patients who are struggling with asthma and have a history of serious or frequent exacerbations.
E.C.A.
In February 2018, the FDA approved GSK’s (NASDAQ:GSK) E.C.A. (ephedra-contained alkaloids, extended-release), a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The drug is intended to improve the symptoms of ADHD in children, in particular, those who are unable to tolerate the stimulating effects of psychostimulants. ADHD is a neuropsychiatric disorder that affects about 7% of children worldwide and is characterized by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In children, it is often associated with behavioral problems, such as restlessness, temper outbursts, and hyperactivity. ADHD is often treated with medications such as Ritalin and Adderall, which are both stimulants.
The drug is chemically related to ephedrine and its main pharmacological active ingredient, pseudocurcumin, is a substance that acts as an agonist in the central nervous system, which regulates dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in the functioning of the nervous system. In preclinical studies, GSK’s MDMA has been proven to exert a stimulatory effect on the brain’s dopamine system in a manner similar to that of Cocaine.
This novel drug is the result of a research and development collaboration between GSK and Shire (NASDAQ:SHPG), and it has been shown to be effective in improving the symptoms of ADHD in children and adolescents. Based on the drug’s mechanism of action, it has a potentially safe and well-tolerated profile, making it a promising treatment option for children with ADHD. It is also the first ADHD treatment to be approved in the United States that contains no amphetamine derivatives. Side effects include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), decreased appetite, and insomnia. The prescribing information also warns of an increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents who are on or have recently stopped treatment with E.C.A.
ZINC+TEMPORAL+TAPIENT
In November 2017, Arqiva’s (OTC:ARQY) ZINC+TEMPORAL+TAPIENT (zinc in combination with three different phosphodiesterase inhibitors: tempol, tadalafil, and sildenafil) was approved by the FDA for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. The drug is available in a single-pill combination and can be used in conjunction with other medications, such as viagra, for synergistic effects. While Arqiva’s product is not designed to diagnose or treat any disease, it may be a safe and effective alternative for men who are taking medication for other conditions and want to improve their erectile function or who want help with ED in particular. The drug is priced at about $120 for a 30-day supply, which is on the higher end of the ED medication scale. It is not known if insurance coverage is available.
MALE FACTOR 1+MELATONIN
In September 2017, the FDA approved MALE FACTOR 1+MELATONIN (folliculotropic hormone), a treatment for male androgenic alopecia (hair loss). This drug is manufactured by Follica, which is a subsidiary of the drug giant, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).
The drug is designed to stop the hair loss cycle by increasing the body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that is naturally produced in the brain. Melatonin has been shown to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss in preclinical studies. It also has a regenerative effect on skin, and, in combination with vitamin C, it can reverse sun damage. Male Factor 1+Melatonin is available in a variety of doses, and it is recommended for use in men whose hair loss is associated with low levels of testosterone. It should be noted that not all hair loss is caused by a lack of testosterone. Sometimes other medications or medical conditions can cause the hair loss as well.
RANDOMIZED TRIALS
Tocotrienol, a substance that is found in palm oil and plant extracts, has been examined in a number of double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials and has been proven to be effective in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The substance is being examined in a large-scale, global study sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association. The data from these trials have not yet been published, but the results indicate that tocotrienol might be able to temporarily improve memory in Alzheimer’s patients while also reducing the decline in cognitive function that is characteristic of the disease.
To find out if this drug is right for you, consult your physician. If he determines that you are eligible, you may be prescribed tocotrienol. The most common side effects include diarrhea, upset stomach, and nausea. Unfortunately, the efficacy of tocotrienol in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease has not yet been established, and it is not known how long the drug might be able to maintain symptoms of Alzheimer’s.