Comparing megestrol acetate therapy with oxandrolone therapy for HIV-related weight loss: similar results in 2 months.
Weight loss is known to impact survival among patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) even in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). In a randomized trial, we compared the effects of 2 months of treatment with either megestrol acetate (800 mg every day) or oxandrolone (10 mg twice per day) on body weight and composition in patients with weight loss of > or =5 kg who were receiving HAART. The mean weight was 66 kg, and the mean body mass index was 21. Mean weight gain in the megestrol acetate and the oxandrolone arms were 2.8 kg (4.6% of the baseline value) and 2.5 kg (3.9% of the baseline value), respectively (P=.80). Lean body mass accounted for 39% of weight gain in the megestrol acetate arm and 56% in the oxandrolone arm (P=.38). Seven patients in the megestrol acetate arm and 5 patients in the oxandrolone arm reported minor adverse events (P=.74). In conclusion, megestrol acetate therapy and oxandrolone therapy have similar effects on body weight and composition and are safe and well-tolerated during HAART.
Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts-New England Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA. mmwamburi@tufts-nemc.org
D Mkaya
DM
Mwamburi
Jül
J
Gerrior
Ira B
IB
Wilson
Hong
H
Chang
Ed
E
Scully
Shiva
S
Saboori
Laurel
L
Miller
Janet
J
Forfia
Mary
M
Albrecht
Christine A
CA
Wanke
D000328:Adult; D000728:Androgens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019290:Megestrol Acetate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010074:Oxandrolone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects*
D000728:Androgens; D010074:Oxandrolone; D019290:Megestrol Acetate