Megace

The active ingredient in Megace is megestrol acetate. It is a progestin, which is a man-made form of the natural hormone progesterone. It also has slight glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid activity.

In terms of cancer treatment, megestrol acetate can block the effects of estrogen, which some cancer cells need to grow.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Megace. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Megace:

• Swallow Megace tablets whole with water; they may be taken with or without food unless your provider tells you otherwise.
• Your healthcare provider will decide the dose based on your condition (for example, advanced breast cancer or unexplained weight loss), your general health, and how you respond to treatment.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose; in that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double up to make up for a missed tablet.
• Continue to take Megace as long as your healthcare provider directs; do not stop suddenly without consulting your provider, especially in the cancer-related setting doing so may affect your underlying treatment plan.
• Attend all follow-up visits so your healthcare provider can monitor your weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, and hormonal effects (especially if you have diabetes or a history of hormone-sensitive cancer).

Some mild or common side effects of Megace seen in clinical trials include:

• Weight gain (often intentional in cachexia) and increased appetite.
• Hot flashes or mood changes due to hormone effects.
• Fluid retention or swelling (edema).
• Increased blood sugar levels (important if you have diabetes).
• Vaginal bleeding or breakthrough bleeding in females.
• Constipation or changes in bowel habits.
• Elevated blood pressure (hypertension) or worsening of existing high blood pressure.
• Skin rash or hair loss.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Megace. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling or pain in the legs, which may signal a blood clot or pulmonary embolism (thromboembolic event).
• Sudden high blood sugar, worsening diabetes mellitus, or signs of adrenal gland dysfunction (such as extreme weakness, dizziness, nausea).
• Vaginal bleeding in post-menopausal women or women with a history of hormone-sensitive tumours, or signs of endometrial cancer (for example, persistent vaginal bleeding).
• Allergic reactions such as hives, swelling of the face/throat, and difficulty breathing.
• Loss of appetite or continued weight loss despite treatment (which may indicate worsening illness).
• Worsening of hypertension, new onset of hypertension, or fluid retention that affects the heart or kidneys.
• Worsening or emergence of breast cancer or cancer driven by hormones (because megestrol acetate is a progestin and may influence hormone-sensitive tissues).

These are not all of the possible side effects of Megace. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Megace, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

A history of blood clots, thromboembolic disease, or pulmonary embolism (because progestins may increase the risk of blood clots).

Heart disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), fluid retention, or heart failure.

Diabetes mellitus or any problem with blood sugar control.

Kidney disease or impaired renal function.

A history of breast cancer or endometrial cancer, or tumours of the pituitary gland or adrenal gland (because of hormone-sensitive risk).

Adrenal insufficiency, Cushing’s syndrome, or other endocrine disturbances.

Women of childbearing potential: Effective contraception is recommended, as Megace tablets may affect hormone levels.

Breastfeeding or plans to breast-feed: because megestrol acetate may pass into breast milk and affect the infant.

If you are elderly (geriatric), you may be more sensitive to adverse effects such as thrombosis, fluid retention, or glucose changes.

Megace tablets should not be used if you:

Are allergic or hypersensitive to megestrol acetate or any of the tablet ingredients.

Have unexplained vaginal bleeding without medical evaluation (especially post-menopausal women).

Have a history of hormone-sensitive tumor (such as breast or endometrial cancer) unless under careful specialist supervision, and the benefit outweighs the risk.

Are pregnant (Megace tablets are not recommended in pregnancy due to hormone effects).

For weight loss (cachexia), the effect may be seen within a few weeks as appetite improves and weight gain begins. For cancer-related indications, response in tumour size or symptoms may take several weeks or months, depending on the tumour type and other therapies.

When Megace is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Hormonal medications, including contraceptives, estrogen replacement therapy, or other progestins. Because Megace is a progestin, combined hormone effects may occur.
• Drugs that increase the risk of blood clots (for example: estrogen-based therapies, selective estrogen receptor modulators) or those that affect clotting (e.g., warfarin).
• The antiarrhythmic agent dofetilide.
• The antiviral medication indinavir.

Megace is available in 40mg and 160mg tablets.

It should be stored at room temperature, away from the reach of children or pets.

It is manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada Inc.

Yes, there are generic versions of brand-name Megace tablets and oral suspension available.

Do not stop taking Megace tablets without consulting your healthcare provider. Abrupt discontinuation could lead to loss of appetite, return of weight loss (in cachexia), or may interfere with the treatment of an underlying cancer.

Megace tablets are not recommended during pregnancy because megestrol acetate is a progestin and may affect hormone-sensitive processes in the fetus. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception (birth control) during treatment and consult their healthcare provider about risks.

Megestrol acetate may pass into breast milk and could affect a nursing infant (for example, by hormone exposure or effects on appetite).

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.