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 tablet for systemic use. It is employed to stimulate appetite in cachexia associated with AIDS or cancer and as an antineoplastic agent in advanced breast and endometrial cancer.
GNH India supplies Megace as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, oncology centres and pharmacies worldwide.

Manufacturer / TM Owner

Bausch Health Ireland Limited

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Indications & Clinical Uses

Megace is a synthetic progestin used in oncology and supportive care to address specific disease processes.

  • Cachexia associated with AIDS or cancer: improves appetite and promotes weight gain.
  • Advanced breast cancer: provides antineoplastic activity to help control tumor progression.
  • Endometrial cancer: used as hormonal therapy to inhibit disease growth.

How It Works

  • Megestrol acetate is a synthetic progestogen that binds to intracellular progesterone receptors, modulating gene transcription that suppresses tumor cell proliferation. Its glucocorticoid‑like activity also influences hypothalamic pathways, enhancing appetite and reducing catabolic signaling, thereby supporting weight gain in cachectic patients.

Side Effects

Megace may cause a range of adverse reactions, from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Edema or fluid retention
  • Increased blood glucose levels
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Hormonal changes such as menstrual irregularities
  • Gastrointestinal discomfort

Serious or Rare Side Effects

  • Thromboembolic events (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism)
  • Severe adrenal suppression
  • Hepatotoxicity with elevated liver enzymes
  • Unexplained weight gain due to fluid overload

Precautions & Warnings

Megace requires careful monitoring and specific safety measures.

  • Pregnancy: Avoid use; potential risk to fetus is unknown.
  • Breastfeeding: Not recommended; drug may pass into milk.
  • Diabetes: Monitor blood glucose closely as hyperglycemia can worsen.
  • Thrombotic risk: Assess patient history for clotting disorders before initiation.
  • Liver function: Conduct baseline and periodic liver enzyme tests.
  • Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, in original packaging, protected from moisture and light.

Avoid Interactions

Megace can alter the activity of several concomitant medicines.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

  • Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of bleeding.
  • Antidiabetic agents: may exacerbate hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

  • CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole): may raise megace plasma levels.
  • CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin): may reduce therapeutic effect.
  • Hormonal contraceptives: reduced efficacy due to progestogenic activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Megace (megestrol acetate) is prescribed to stimulate appetite in patients with cachexia linked to AIDS or cancer, and as an antineoplastic agent for advanced breast cancer and endometrial cancer, helping to control tumor growth.

Megestrol acetate binds to progesterone receptors, altering gene expression that suppresses tumor cell proliferation. Its glucocorticoid‑like activity also influences hypothalamic pathways, increasing appetite and reducing catabolic processes.

The dosage of Megace is individualized by the prescribing clinician based on the patient’s condition, weight, and response. Specific dosing regimens are not provided here and should follow the prescriber’s instructions.

Megace is not recommended during pregnancy because potential fetal risks are unknown. It is also discouraged while breastfeeding, as the drug may be excreted in breast milk and affect the infant.

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 necessary import documentation.

Compared with other appetite stimulants such as corticosteroids, Megace offers both appetite‑enhancing and antineoplastic effects due to its progestogenic activity. It is often chosen when a dual benefit of weight gain and tumor control is desired.

Megace should be stored at ambient temperature, preferably below 25 °C. Keep the tablets in their original container, protect them from moisture and direct light, and ensure they are out of reach of children.

Megace is taken orally, usually as a tablet swallowed whole with water. The exact timing and whether it should be taken with food depend on the prescriber’s guidance.

Serious risks include thromboembolic events such as deep‑vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, severe adrenal suppression, and potential liver toxicity. Patients should be monitored for signs of clotting, abnormal liver tests, and hormonal disturbances.

Megace is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to megestrol acetate, active thromboembolic disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or severe liver impairment. It should also be avoided in pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding.

Published by

GNH India Pharmaceuticals Limited

Licensed pharmaceutical supplier

Last updated:

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