Megestrol acetate-induced adrenal insufficiency.

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Gonzalez Villarroel P, Fernandez Perez I, Paramo C, Gentil Gonzalez M, Carnero Lopez B, Vazquez Tunas ML, Carrasco Alvarez JA

Megestrol acetate-induced adrenal insufficiency.

Clin Transl Oncol. 2008 Apr;10(4):235-7.

PubMed ID

18411198 [ View in PubMed

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Abstract

Megestrol acetate is a synthetic progestin that has been used since the 1970s for the treatment of advanced cancer and subsequently to treat anorexia, cachexia and weight loss in AIDS patients. It has been shown that high doses or prolonged treatment with this drug may cause Cushing's syndrome, new-onset diabetes and suppression of plasma ACTH and cortisol levels. Megestrol acetate may cause suppression of the pituitary-adrenal axis due to the affinity of this compound for the glucocorticoid receptor. Recognising the glucocorticoid-like activity of megestrol and its effects at the axis level is important for the diagnosis of sub-clinical adrenal insufficiency. We present the case of a 74-year-old woman with infiltrating ductal breast carcinoma refractory to prolonged hormonal treatment with megestrol acetate, presenting with adrenal insufficiency.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drug Targets

Drug	Target	Kind	Organism	Pharmacological Action	Actions
Megestrol acetate	Glucocorticoid receptor	Protein	Humans	Unknown	Agonist	Details