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BACKGROUND: This is an updated version of a previously published review in The Cochrane Library (2005, Issue 2) on 'Megestrol acetate for the treatment of anorexia-cachexia syndrome'. Megestrol acetate (MA) is currently used to improve appetite and to increase weight in cancer-associated anorexia. In 1993, MA was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of anorexia, cachexia or unexplained weight loss in patients with AIDS. ...

In 1993, megestrol acetate (MA) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of anorexia, cachexia, or unexplained weight loss in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. ...This is an updated version of a Cochrane systematic review first published in 2005 and later updated in 2013 entitled 'Megestrol acetate for the treatment of anorexia-cachexia syndrome'. ...

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a compounded ophthalmic formulation of 0.5% megestrol acetate to treat eosinophilic keratitis in cats. ...CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of an ophthalmic formulation of 0.5% megestrol acetate is a viable option for treating feline eosinophilic keratitis....

Little information has been available regarding the long term use of low dose megestrol acetate for hot flashes. METHODS: Patients previously enrolled on a randomized placebo-controlled trial that evaluated the short term use of megestrol acetate for hot flashes were contacted and interviewed by telephone. ...CONCLUSIONS: A substantial proportion of patients continue to use megestrol acetate for periods of up to 3 years or longer with continued control of hot flashes. ...

In terms of adverse effects, three of eight participants (37.5%) in the metformin plus megestrol acetate study arm reported nausea. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: At present, evidence is insufficient to support or refute the use of metformin alone or in combination with standard therapy - specifically, megestrol acetate - versus megestrol acetate alone, for treatment of endometrial hyperplasia. ...

We designed this study to test the hypothesis that combination therapy with megestrol acetate (MA) plus celecoxib is superior to MA alone. ...CONCLUSION: Since both MA alone and MA plus celecoxib are associated with improvement of cachexia in GI cancer patients, this study failed to show that adding celecoxib (200 mg/day) to megestrol (320 mg/day) could enhance anti-cachexic effects of megestrol....

In a comprehensive search of the MEDLINE and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts databases, we identified all published reports on the use of megestrol acetate or mirtazapine for the treatment of weight loss and on any adverse events associated with these drugs. ...Therefore, the use of megestrol acetate or mirtazapine for weight loss should be thoroughly evaluated on an individual basis. ...

Specifically, the use of "feeling of wellbeing" (FWB) on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) questionnaire and the Distress Thermometer (DT) have been explored. ...Finally, the use of cannabinoids in treating appetite loss was examined, as it has a detrimental effect on FWB; 54 patients underwent cannabinoid treatment for appetite loss within a community-based, physician-lead, medical cannabis clinic. ...