Megestrol

What is Megestrol used for?

Megestrol 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 does Megestrol work?

Megestrol 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.

Is Megestrol effective?

A medicine called megestrol 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 Megestrol is working?

Two studies tested a medicine called megestrol 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.

What is the usual dose of Megestrol?

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 Megestrol?

Take Megestrol 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 Megestrol?

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

How long does it take for Megestrol to start working?

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

How should I store Megestrol?

Store Megestrol 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.

Who should avoid taking Megestrol?

This medicine, Megestrol 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 Megestrol with other prescription drugs?

Imagine you have two medicines, one called Indinavir and another called Megestrol acetate. When you take them together, Megestrol 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 I take Megestrol with vitamins or supplements?

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

Can Megestrol be taken safely while pregnant?

Megestrol 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 Megestrol be taken safely while breastfeeding?

Women taking a medicine called megestrol 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 Megestrol safe for the elderly?

For older adults, start megestrol 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.

Is it safe to exercise while taking Megestrol?

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

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Megestrol?

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