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 oral use. It is used to stimulate appetite and to treat hormone‑responsive cancers such as certain breast and endometrial tumors, as well as to manage cachexia associated with cancer or AIDS.

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 reliable global distribution.

Manufacturer / TM Owner

Bausch Health Ireland Limited

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Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Megace is employed in clinical pathways that address severe weight loss and hormone‑responsive malignancies.
  • Cachexia associated with cancer or AIDS: improves appetite and helps stabilize body weight.
  • Weight loss in chronic illness: increases caloric intake and promotes modest weight gain.
  • Hormone‑responsive breast cancer: provides antineoplastic activity by modulating progesterone receptors.
  • Endometrial cancer: used as part of hormonal therapy to inhibit tumor growth.

How It Works

  • Megestrol acetate is a synthetic progestogen that binds intracellular progesterone receptors, altering gene transcription. Its glucocorticoid activity modulates metabolic pathways, leading to increased appetite and nitrogen retention. In hormone‑responsive tumors, receptor binding interferes with estrogen‑driven proliferation, producing antineoplastic effects. The combined progestogenic and glucocorticoid actions underlie its therapeutic profile.

Side Effects

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

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Weight gain
  • Edema
  • Fatigue

Serious or Rare Side Effects

  • Thromboembolic events (deep‑vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism)
  • Adrenal insufficiency
  • Severe hyperglycemia or Cushingoid appearance

Precautions & Warnings

  • When prescribing Megace, clinicians should consider several safety measures.
  • Monitor blood glucose: patients may develop hyperglycemia or diabetes.
  • Assess thromboembolic risk: evaluate history of clotting disorders before initiating therapy.
  • Evaluate adrenal function: prolonged use can suppress the hypothalamic‑pituitary‑adrenal axis.
  • Review concomitant hormone therapy: may enhance progestogenic effects.
  • Adjust dose in hepatic impairment: liver dysfunction can increase drug exposure.
  • Store at ambient temperature: keep in original container, protect from moisture and light.

Avoid Interactions

Megace interacts with several medicines; awareness of the interaction level guides management.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

  • Warfarin and other anticoagulants: increased risk of bleeding.
  • CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin): reduced efficacy of Megace.
  • Antidiabetic agents (insulin, sulfonylureas): enhanced hypoglycemic effect.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

  • Corticosteroids: additive glucocorticoid effects may raise infection risk.
  • Hormonal contraceptives: may decrease contraceptive effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Megace (megestrol acetate) is prescribed to stimulate appetite in patients with severe weight loss, such as cancer‑related cachexia or AIDS, and to treat hormone‑responsive cancers including certain breast and endometrial tumors.

Megestrol acetate binds to progesterone receptors and exerts glucocorticoid activity. This dual action increases appetite and nitrogen retention while interfering with estrogen‑driven growth in hormone‑sensitive tumors, providing both metabolic and antineoplastic benefits.

The dose of Megace is individualized by the prescribing clinician based on the specific indication, patient weight, and clinical response. Dosage regimens can vary widely, and the prescriber determines the appropriate strength and schedule.

Safety data for megestrol acetate in pregnancy and lactation are limited, and the pregnancy category is listed as unknown. It is generally avoided in pregnant or nursing women unless the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk.

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, and any necessary import documentation.

Megace is often compared with other appetite stimulants such as dronabinol or corticosteroids. Unlike cannabinoids, Megace provides a progestogenic and glucocorticoid effect that can also address hormone‑responsive cancers, while corticosteroids may have a broader immunosuppressive profile but lack the specific antineoplastic activity of megestrol acetate.

Megace tablets should be stored at ambient temperature, below 25 °C, in the original packaging to protect them from moisture and light. Keep the product out of reach of children and avoid storing in areas with high humidity.

Megace is taken orally, usually as a tablet, with or without food. Patients should follow the prescribing clinician’s instructions regarding timing and whether the medication should be taken with meals.

The most serious adverse events include thromboembolic complications (such as deep‑vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism), adrenal insufficiency from prolonged glucocorticoid activity, and severe hyperglycemia or Cushingoid changes. Patients should be monitored regularly for signs of these conditions.

Megace should be avoided in individuals with known hypersensitivity to megestrol acetate, active uncontrolled infections, a history of thromboembolic disease, severe hepatic impairment, or in pregnant women unless clearly indicated. Clinicians must assess each patient’s risk profile before initiating therapy.

Published by

GNH India Pharmaceuticals Limited

Licensed pharmaceutical supplier

Last updated:

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