Benefits are restricted to small weight gains without indication of decreased morbidity or mortality, improved quality of life, or improved functional ability. The opinions and assertions contained herein are the private views of the author and not to be construed as official, or as reflecting the views of the US Air Force Medical Service or the US Air Force at large.
Skip to main content. Coronavirus News Center. Clinical Inquiries. Should we use appetite stimulants for malnourished elderly patients?
J Fam Pract. By Robert K. Author and Disclosure Information Robert K. PDF Download. Clinical commentary Good advice for a common problem Kayleen P. It is also unclear whether changing the trajectory of weight loss during these conditions has any effect on mortality. Involuntary weight loss is associated with increased mortality among patients with HIV-associated wasting 11 , cancer 12 , and in elderly men and women 13 , and MA has been demonstrated to increase appetite and body weight in these conditions.
However, use of MA is associated with a number of side effects. MA-induced suppression of testosterone results in loss of libido and impotence as well as hyperprolactinemia. MA suppresses estrogen in women 5 and has glucocoriticoid-like effects that result in secondary adrenal suppression and low cortisol levels There is no evidence that stimulating appetite and increasing body weight in patients with involuntary weight loss affects mortality.
No data exist to indicate that the composition of weight gain is important in affecting the outcome of these patients.
However, restoration of appetite in an anorexic patient can have an important palliative effect, even if no other benefit is seen A number of unanswered questions concerning the effects of MA remain. Its use must be carefully considered and carefully managed. If an improvement in appetite and a gain in fat mass are desirable goals in the management of cachexia or involuntary weight loss, MA remains one of the most potent orexigenic agents currently available.
Its use must be weighed against the potential for adrenal suppression and suppression of androgen production. Because of its antiandrogen properties, the antianabolic effects of MA are not ameliorated by testosterone administration. Cancer 69 : — Google Scholar. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 87 : — J Am Geriatr Soc 48 : — Ann Intern Med : — Clin Cancer Res 2 : — J Clin Endocrinol Metab 92 : — J Clin Endocrinol Metab 81 : — Nutrition 15 : — Prostate 3 : 11 — J Clin Invest : — Am J Clin Nutr 50 : — Arch Intern Med : — J Am Geriatr Soc 43 : — Cancer 86 : — Ann Oncol 8 : — Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford.
It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide. Sign In or Create an Account. Sign In. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet.
Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to megestrol.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements.
You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Generic alternatives may be available. Megestrol pronounced as me jes' trol. Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow?
What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause? What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication? Brand names. Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.
Do not stop taking megestrol without talking to your doctor.
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