Megestrol acetate therapy and secondary adrenal suppression

Megestrol acetate in cachexia and anorexia

The aim is to review major clinical trials that have used megestrol acetate (MA) in the treatment of cachexia across several disease states. A review of general usage and potential side-effects are discussed. A theory that the newly approved nanocrystal formation of MA can better deliver this potent medication for treatment will also be reviewed.

Profound suppression of plasma estrogens by megestrol acetate in postmenopausal breast cancer patients.

Twelve postmenopausal women suffering from advanced breast cancer had plasma estrogens, androgens, cortisol, and gonadotropins determined before therapy and during treatment with megestrol acetate (MA) in oral doses escalated from 40 to 160 mg. The plasma clearance and production rate of estrone and estrone sulfate were determined before treatment and after 4 weeks of therapy with 160 mg MA. Tr...

Adrenal suppression and Cushing's syndrome secondary to ritonavir and budesonide.

To the Editor: Ritonavir is a protease inhibitor used in combination therapy for advanced HIV infection. In South Africa lopinavir/ritonavir is first-line therapy for children under 3 years of age where there is a history of perinatal exposure to the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) nevirapine.1 Ritonavir is a potent inhibitor of hepatic cytochrome P450-CYP3A4 iso-enzyme a...

Insulin resistance and development of diabetes mellitus associated with megestrol acetate therapy.

We describe a case of diabetes mellitus induced by megestrol acetate in a patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Metabolic studies including an arginine infusion test excluded an insulinopenic state and suggested insulin resistance as the underlying mechanism for hyperglycaemia. Withdrawal of megestrol acetate resulted in rapid correction of all metabolic abnormalities and elimina...

Megestrol acetate for the treatment of hot flashes in men undergoing hormone ablation therapy or orchiectomy.