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 synthetic progestin presented as an oral tablet for oral use. It is indicated for appetite stimulation in cachexia related to AIDS or cancer and for the treatment of selected breast and endometrial cancers, and may improve quality of life.

GNH India supplies Megace as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, oncology centres, pharmacies and clinics worldwide. The company adheres to stringent quality standards and provides regulatory‑approved products to meet global demand.

Manufacturer / TM Owner

Bausch Health Ireland Limited

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Indications & Clinical Uses

Megestrol acetate is used in conditions where appetite stimulation or anti‑estrogenic activity is required, particularly in cancer‑related settings.

  • Cachexia associated with AIDS or cancer: helps increase caloric intake, leading to weight gain and improved functional status.
  • Breast cancer: provides antineoplastic effect in hormone‑responsive disease, helping to control tumor progression.
  • Endometrial cancer: used as hormonal therapy to inhibit tumor growth and reduce disease activity.

How It Works

  • Megestrol acetate is a synthetic progestogen that binds to intracellular progesterone receptors, activating transcriptional pathways that exert anti‑estrogenic effects. By modulating hormone‑dependent signaling, it reduces tumor cell proliferation in certain breast and endometrial cancers and stimulates appetite through central mechanisms involving hypothalamic neuropeptides. Additionally, it influences glucocorticoid‑like activity, contributing to its metabolic effects.

Side Effects

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

Common Side Effects

  • Weight gain: increased appetite and fluid retention.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Fatigue or weakness.
  • Edema: swelling of the lower limbs.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

  • Thromboembolic events: deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
  • Adrenal suppression: reduced cortisol production.
  • Hyperglycemia: elevated blood glucose levels.
  • Severe allergic reactions: rash, angioedema, or anaphylaxis.

Precautions & Warnings

When prescribing Megestrol acetate, clinicians should consider several safety precautions to minimise risks.

  • Assess baseline weight and nutritional status: monitor changes during therapy.
  • Screen for history of thromboembolic disease: avoid use in high‑risk patients.
  • Monitor blood glucose: patients with diabetes may require dose adjustment.
  • Evaluate liver function: periodic tests are advised for hepatic safety.
  • Review concomitant corticosteroid use: may increase risk of adrenal suppression.
  • Store at ambient temperature: keep tablets below 25 °C, in the original container, protected from moisture.

Avoid Interactions

Megestrol acetate can interact with other medicines, affecting efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

  • Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of thrombosis.
  • CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin): may reduce megestrol levels.
  • Hormonal therapies (e.g., tamoxifen): antagonistic effects on anti‑estrogenic activity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

  • Glucocorticoids: additive risk of adrenal suppression.
  • Antidiabetic agents: potential for altered glucose control.
  • NSAIDs: may increase risk of gastrointestinal irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Megace, containing the active ingredient megestrol acetate, is prescribed to stimulate appetite in patients with cachexia related to AIDS or cancer and as a hormonal therapy for certain breast and endometrial cancers. It helps improve nutritional status and can contribute to disease control in hormone‑sensitive tumors.

Megestrol acetate is a synthetic progestogen that activates progesterone receptors, producing anti‑estrogenic effects that inhibit growth of hormone‑dependent cancer cells. It also acts on the hypothalamus to increase appetite‑stimulating neuropeptides, leading to greater food intake and weight gain.

The dosage of Megace is individualized and set by the prescribing clinician based on the patient’s condition, weight, and response. Physicians determine the appropriate strength and treatment duration, and patients should follow the prescriber’s instructions without self‑adjusting the dose.

The safety of Megace in pregnancy and lactation has not been established, and the pregnancy category is listed as unknown. It should only be used if the potential benefit justifies any possible risk to the fetus or infant, and a healthcare professional must evaluate each case.

To order 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 and any necessary import documentation.

Megace differs from other appetite stimulants such as dronabinol or mirtazapine by acting as a synthetic progestogen with both appetite‑enhancing and anti‑estrogenic properties. While dronabinol works via cannabinoid receptors and mirtazapine via antihistaminic effects, Megace also offers antineoplastic activity useful in certain cancers.

Megace tablets should be stored at ambient temperature, preferably below 25 °C. Keep them in the original packaging to protect from moisture and light, and store out of reach of children. No refrigeration is required for this oral formulation.

Megace is taken orally as a tablet, with or without food, according to the prescriber’s directions. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush or chew unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional.

Serious risks associated with Megace include thromboembolic events such as deep‑vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, adrenal suppression leading to cortisol deficiency, significant hyperglycemia, and severe allergic reactions like rash, angioedema or anaphylaxis. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if these occur.

Megace is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to megestrol acetate or any excipients, those with active thromboembolic disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or severe liver impairment. Caution is also advised for individuals receiving systemic corticosteroids or other hormonal therapies, and it should be avoided in pregnancy unless clearly needed.

Published by

GNH India Pharmaceuticals Limited

Licensed pharmaceutical supplier

Last updated:

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