Product image of Megace (Megestrol Acetate) supplied by GNH India

Megace

Active Ingredient:
Megestrol Acetate
Origin:
EU

Megace (Megestrol Acetate)

Megestrol acetate, the active ingredient in Megace, is a progestin presented as an oral dosage form for systemic use. It is employed in the management of cancer‑related cachexia, advanced breast cancer, and endometrial cancer, providing both antineoplastic activity and appetite stimulation. It is indicated for patients experiencing severe weight loss associated with AIDS or malignancy and for hormone‑responsive tumors.

GNH India supplies Megace as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier, delivering GMP‑manufactured product to hospitals, oncology centres, pharmacies and clinics worldwide, with a focus on quality, regulatory compliance and reliable logistics.

Manufacturer / TM Owner

Bausch Health Ireland Limited

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Indications & Clinical Uses

Megace is a progestin hormonal therapy used in specific oncologic and cachexia contexts.

  • Cachexia associated with AIDS or cancer: improves appetite and promotes weight gain in patients with severe wasting.
  • Advanced breast cancer: provides antineoplastic effect in hormone‑responsive disease.
  • Endometrial cancer: used as part of hormonal treatment for disease control.

How It Works

  • Megestrol acetate is a synthetic progestogen that binds to intracellular progesterone receptors, modulating gene transcription. Its progestogenic activity exerts antineoplastic effects in hormone‑sensitive tumors, while its glucocorticoid‑like properties influence hypothalamic pathways that increase appetite and reduce catabolism, leading to weight gain in cachectic patients.

Side Effects

Megace may cause a range of adverse reactions, which are categorized by frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea: mild to moderate gastrointestinal discomfort.
  • Edema: peripheral swelling, especially in lower extremities.
  • Fatigue: generalized tiredness or weakness.
  • Increased blood glucose: hyperglycemia, particularly in diabetic patients.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

  • Thromboembolic events: deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
  • Adrenal suppression: signs of cortisol deficiency.
  • Hormonal disturbances: menstrual irregularities or androgenic effects.

Precautions & Warnings

When prescribing Megace, clinicians should consider several safety measures and monitoring requirements.

  • Assess nutritional status: evaluate baseline weight and appetite before initiating therapy.
  • Monitor blood glucose: check fasting glucose regularly, especially in diabetic patients.
  • Observe for thrombotic risk: screen for history of clotting disorders or immobilization.
  • Evaluate hormonal effects: watch for menstrual changes, androgenic signs, or adrenal insufficiency.
  • Review concomitant medications: avoid drugs that may increase thrombotic or hyperglycemic risk.
  • Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25°C in original packaging, protect from moisture and light.

Avoid Interactions

Megace can interact with other medicines, altering its efficacy or safety profile.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

  • Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): may enhance anticoagulant effect, increasing bleeding risk.
  • CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin): can reduce plasma concentrations of megestrol acetate, diminishing therapeutic effect.
  • Glucocorticoids: additive glucocorticoid activity may exacerbate hyperglycemia and adrenal suppression.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

  • Antidiabetic agents: megestrol acetate may raise blood glucose, requiring dose adjustment of insulin or oral hypoglycemics.
  • Hormonal therapies (e.g., tamoxifen): potential antagonistic effects on hormone pathways.
  • Diuretics: may increase risk of electrolyte imbalance when combined with edema.

Frequently Asked Questions

Megace (megestrol acetate) is prescribed to treat cancer‑related cachexia, to provide hormonal control in advanced breast cancer, and as part of therapy for endometrial cancer. It works by stimulating appetite and exerting antineoplastic effects in hormone‑sensitive tumors.

Megestrol acetate is a synthetic progestogen that binds to intracellular progesterone receptors, altering gene expression. Its progestogenic activity produces antitumor effects in hormone‑responsive cancers, while glucocorticoid‑like actions affect hypothalamic pathways that increase appetite and reduce catabolic processes.

The appropriate dose of Megace is determined by the prescribing clinician based on the patient’s condition, weight, and response. Dosage regimens vary among indications, and the prescriber will tailor the amount and schedule to each individual case.

Safety data for megestrol acetate in pregnancy and lactation are limited. Because it may affect hormonal balance and fetal development, Megace is generally avoided unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk. Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding should discuss alternatives with their healthcare provider.

To request Megace, submit an enquiry on the product page at gnhindia.com, specifying the required quantity. GNH India works with hospitals, pharmacies and procurement teams worldwide, verifies trade or institutional credentials, and then provides pricing, availability, shipping details (including any cold‑chain requirements) and necessary import documentation.

Megace differs from traditional appetite stimulants such as megestrol acetate’s progestogenic and glucocorticoid‑like actions, offering both weight‑gain benefits and antineoplastic activity. Other agents like dronabinol act primarily on cannabinoid receptors and lack the hormonal tumor‑control effects that Megace provides in certain cancers.

Megace should be stored at ambient temperature, preferably below 25 °C. Keep the product in its original container, protect it from moisture and direct light, and ensure the packaging remains sealed until use to maintain stability.

Megace is taken orally, usually as a tablet. It should be swallowed with water and can be taken with or without food, unless the prescriber advises otherwise. Patients should follow the administration instructions provided by their healthcare professional.

Serious risks include thromboembolic events such as deep‑vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, adrenal suppression leading to cortisol deficiency, and significant hyperglycemia that may worsen diabetes. Patients should be monitored closely for signs of clotting, hormonal imbalance, or uncontrolled blood sugar.

Megace is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to megestrol acetate or any excipients, those with active thromboembolic disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or severe hepatic impairment. Caution is also advised for individuals on anticoagulant therapy or with a history of adrenal insufficiency.

Published by

GNH India Pharmaceuticals Limited

Licensed pharmaceutical supplier

Last updated:

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