GLUCOCORTICOIDLIKE ACTIVITY OF MEGESTROL - A SUMMARY OF FOOD-AND-DRUG-ADMINISTRATION EXPERIENCE AND A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Sporadic single case reports linking glucocorticoidlike activity to me gestrol acetate have been reported in the literature. These findings h ave important implications for patient care, Adverse drug experience r eports to the US Food and Drug Administration from 1984 through 1996 a nd a MEDLINE search of the literature from 1984 through 1996 provided the case reports, Five cases of Gushing syndrome, 12 cases of new-onse t diabetes, and 16 cases of adrenal insufficiency were identified in a ssociation with megestrol therapy. Twelve cases in which preexisting d iabetes was exacerbated and 17 cases of possible adrenal insufficiency were identified, Therapy with megestrol can result in clinical manife stations of glucocorticoidlike activity, including Gushing syndrome, d iabetes, and adrenal insufficiency, Clinicians need to be aware of thi s association as these complications can be life-threatening if not re cognized.