Megestrol caproate

Megestrol caproate is a progestin medication which is used in the treatment of anorexia, cachexia, hot flashes, and breast cancer. It is taken by mouth.

Medical uses

Megestrol caproate is primarily used to treat loss of appetite and weight loss in people with AIDS and cancer. It is also used in the treatment of breast cancer and endometrial cancer.

Side effects

Common side effects of megestrol caproate include weight gain, edema, thromboembolism, and menstrual irregularities. Rare but serious side effects include adrenal insufficiency and Cushing's syndrome.

Pharmacology

Megestrol caproate is a synthetic progestogen and acts as an agonist of the progesterone receptor, the biological target of progesterone. It has strong anti-gonadotropic effects and can inhibit fertility and suppress sex hormone production.

History

Megestrol caproate was first described in 1959 and was introduced for medical use in 1963. It was the first progestin to be used in cancer treatment and was also the first to be used as an appetite stimulant.

Society and culture

Megestrol caproate is marketed under a variety of brand names including Megace and Ovaban and is available as a generic medication.

See also

• List of progestogens
• List of hormonal cytostatic antineoplastic agents
• List of appetite stimulants