Mestrel 40mg Tablet (MEGESTROL)

What is Mestrel tablet?

Mestrel tablet is a synthetic progestin hormone primarily used to treat certain cancers (like breast or endometrial cancer) and to stimulate appetite in patients experiencing significant weight loss due to conditions like cancer, HIV/AIDS, or other chronic illnesses.

What is the usual dose of Mestrel tablet?

The usual dose depends on the condition:

• Cancer treatment: 40–320 mg daily, divided into several doses.
• Appetite stimulation: 400–800 mg daily, typically as an oral suspension.

How do I take Mestrel tablet?

Take Mestrel tablet exactly as prescribed. It is usually taken as a tablet or oral suspension, with or without food. Shake the suspension well before use and use the provided measuring device for accuracy.

For how long do I take Mestrel tablet?

The duration of treatment depends on the condition being treated. Follow your doctor’s guidance closely, as long-term use may carry risks.

What is Mestrel tablet used for?

Mestrel tablet is used for:

• Hormonal therapy for breast or endometrial cancer
• Stimulating appetite and promoting weight gain in patients with significant unintentional weight loss (cachexia)

How long does it take for Mestrel tablet to start working?

Appetite stimulation may take 1–2 weeks, while cancer treatment effects may take longer, depending on the individual and disease progression.

Is Mestrel tablet effective?

A medicine called Mestrel tablet acetate helped people with AIDS who had lost a lot of weight and had no appetite. Studies showed that those taking the medicine gained weight, while those taking a sugar pill (placebo) lost weight or stayed the same. For instance, one group gained about 11 pounds, while the placebo group lost about 2 pounds. The medicine also seemed to improve appetite.

How does one know if Mestrel tablet is working?

Two studies tested a medicine called Mestrel tablet acetate on people with AIDS who had trouble eating and were losing weight. The medicine helped people gain weight. In both studies, those taking 800mg of the medicine gained significantly more weight than those taking a sugar pill (placebo). The medicine also improved appetite more than the placebo.

How does Mestrel tablet work?

Mestrel tablet acetate is a medicine that works in a few ways to fight cancer. It might lower the body's estrogen levels and directly kill cancer cells. It also affects how other hormones work. Most of the medicine leaves the body through urine within 10 days, with a smaller amount leaving through stool. Only a tiny bit breaks down into other substances.

Who should avoid taking Mestrel tablet?

This medicine, Mestrel tablet acetate, has some serious potential problems. It can increase your risk of blood clots, make diabetes worse, and cause problems with your adrenal glands (which control hormones). It's very dangerous to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding mothers must stop nursing. Many people gain weight while taking it. Your doctor will need to watch you closely for any side effects.

Can I take Mestrel tablet with vitamins or supplements?

Generally, vitamins and supplements are safe, but avoid any that might interact with Mestrel tablet (e.g., herbal products that affect hormone levels). Consult your doctor before use.

Can I take Mestrel tablet with other prescription drugs?

Imagine you have two medicines, one called Indinavir and another called Mestrel tablet acetate. When you take them together, Mestrel tablet acetate makes your body get rid of Indinavir faster. This means less Indinavir is actually working in your body. To fix this, you need to take a larger dose of Indinavir so you still have enough to be effective. However, if you're also taking other medications like zidovudine or rifabutin, you don't need to change their doses.

Can Mestrel tablet be taken safely while pregnant?

Mestrel tablet acetate is a medicine that shouldn't be taken during pregnancy. Tests on animals showed it can harm a developing baby, causing low birth weight, fewer babies surviving birth, and changes in male babies' bodies. While there's no proof this happens in humans, the animal studies are worrying enough that doctors recommend avoiding it during pregnancy. Women should have a pregnancy test before taking it and use birth control while on the medicine.

Can Mestrel tablet be taken safely while breastfeeding?

Women taking a medicine called Mestrel tablet acetate shouldn't breastfeed. This is because there's a chance the medicine could cause HIV to be passed to the baby through breast milk. Also, we don't know how this medicine affects babies who are breastfed or how it changes a mother's milk supply.

Is Mestrel tablet safe for the elderly?

For older adults, start Mestrel tablet acetate at the lowest possible dose. This is because older people often have weaker livers, kidneys, or hearts, or may be taking other medications. Since the medicine leaves the body through the kidneys, problems with kidney function increase the risk of side effects. Doctors should watch kidney function closely. We don't know if this medicine works differently in older versus younger people.

How should I store Mestrel tablet?

Store Mestrel tablet at room temperature (68°F–77°F or 20°C–25°C) away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep it out of reach of children.

Does Mestrel tablet make people tired or drowsy?

Fatigue or drowsiness is not common but may occur in some individuals.

Does Mestrel tablet cause stomach upset?

Yes, nausea or mild stomach discomfort may occur as a side effect.

Does Mestrel tablet affect sleep?

Mestrel tablet can sometimes cause trouble sleeping (insomnia). Studies show this happens in a small percentage of people who take it. If you have trouble sleeping after starting this medicine, tell your doctor.

Does Mestrel tablet make it hard to think or concentrate?

Cognitive effects like confusion are rare but possible, especially in elderly patients.

Does Mestrel tablet affect mood?

Yes, mood swings or mild depressive symptoms can occur as side effects.

Does Mestrel tablet interfere with sexual function?

Mestrel tablet may reduce libido or cause changes in hormonal levels that affect sexual function.

Does Mestrel tablet affect appetite?

Yes, Mestrel tablet is specifically used to stimulate appetite, leading to weight gain.

Does Mestrel tablet cause weight gain?

Mestrel tablet can make you gain weight because it makes you hungrier. This weight gain is usually from eating more, not from holding onto extra water. If you notice you're gaining weight while taking this medicine, tell your doctor.

Does Mestrel tablet cause headaches?

Some people taking the medicine Mestrel tablet get headaches. In one study, between 1% and 10% of people experienced them. If you get a headache while taking this medicine, tell your doctor.

Does Mestrel tablet limit driving?

Mestrel tablet does not typically impair driving. However, if you experience dizziness or fatigue, avoid driving.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Mestrel tablet?

Alcohol should be consumed with caution, as it may exacerbate side effects like nausea or dizziness. Discuss with your doctor.

Is it safe to drink coffee or tea while taking Mestrel tablet?

Yes, coffee or tea is safe, but be mindful of caffeine’s potential to cause mild dehydration, which could worsen some side effects like swelling.

Is it safe to exercise while taking Mestrel tablet?

Yes, light to moderate exercise is generally safe, but avoid overexertion if you experience fatigue or fluid retention.

What are Mestrel tablet possible harms and risks?

Mestrel tablet acetate can make you gain weight because it increases your appetite. It can also cause serious blood clot problems in some people, and problems with blood sugar. Less common side effects include diarrhea, impotence, rash, gas, weakness, trouble sleeping, nausea, anemia, fever, and changes in sex drive. How often these side effects happen varies.