৳ 500/unit
Pack: ৳ 500
৳ 500/unit
Pack: ৳ 500
At a glance
Megestrol Acetate is a progestin used for the palliative treatment of breast cancer and endometrial cancer, and for anorexia, cachexia, and unexplained significant weight loss in AIDS and cancer patients.
Indications
- Advanced breast carcinoma (palliative treatment)
- Advanced endometrial carcinoma (palliative treatment)
- Anorexia, cachexia, and unexplained significant weight loss in AIDS and cancer patients
Pharmacology
Megestrol Acetate inhibits pituitary gonadotropin production, decreases estrogen secretion, modifies other steroid hormone actions, and exerts direct cytotoxic effects on tumor cells.
Dosage
Breast Carcinoma: 160 mg/day
Endometrial Carcinoma: 40-320 mg/day in divided doses
Anorexia/Cachexia (AIDS/Cancer): 800 mg/day initial; usual range 400-800 mg/day
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Weight gain (most common)
- Nausea, vomiting
- Edema
- Breakthrough uterine bleeding (1-2%)
- Hot flashes
- Hypertension
- Hyperglycemia
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Megestrol Acetate is highly unsafe during pregnancy; exposure in the first 4 months may increase risk of fetal genital abnormalities.
Pregnancy Category: X — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Precautions & warnings
- Caution in patients with history of thrombophlebitis
- Caution in patients with severe impaired liver function
- May have adrenocortical effects
- Do not use in patients with galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption
- Contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, cough, unsteady gait, listlessness, and chest pain; no specific antidote; supportive treatment.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C in a cool and dry place, away from light and moisture; keep out of reach of children.