New drugs of 2003

To provide information regarding the most important properties of the new therapeutic agents marketed in 2003.

Product labeling supplemented selectively with published studies and drug information reference sources.

By the author.

By the author.

The 28 new therapeutic agents marketed in the United States during 2003 are reviewed in this article: adalimumab, agalsidase beta, alefacept, alfuzosin hydrochloride, aprepitant, atazanavir sulfate, atomoxetine hydrochloride, bortezomib, daptomycin, efalizumab, eletriptan hydrobromide, emtricitabine, enfuvirtide, eplerenone, gefitinib, icodextrin, laronidase, memantine hydrochloride, mequinol/tretinoin, miglustat, nitazoxanide, omalizumab, palonosetron hydrochloride, pegvisomant, rosuvastatin calcium, tadalafil, tositumomab and iodine I 131 tositumomab, and vardenafil hydrochloride. Indications and information on dosage and administration for these agents are reviewed, as are the most important pharmacokinetic properties, adverse events, drug interactions, and other precautions. Practical considerations for the use of the new agents are also discussed. When possible, the properties of the new drugs are compared with those of older drugs marketed for the same indications.

A number of the new therapeutic agents marketed in 2003 have important advantages over older medications. An understanding of the properties of these agents is important for the pharmacist to effectively counsel patients about their use and to serve as a valuable source of information for other health professionals regarding these drugs.