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 employed to stimulate appetite and to provide antineoplastic hormone therapy in patients with AIDS‑related cachexia, cancer‑related anorexia, advanced breast cancer, and endometrial carcinoma.

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

Manufacturer / TM Owner

Bausch Health Ireland Limited

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Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Megace is used in several clinical situations that involve severe weight loss or hormone‑responsive cancers.
  • Cachexia associated with AIDS: improves appetite and promotes weight gain in patients with HIV‑related wasting.
  • Cancer‑related anorexia: increases caloric intake and helps stabilize body mass in oncology patients.
  • Advanced breast cancer: provides antineoplastic hormone therapy to slow disease progression.
  • Endometrial carcinoma: acts as a hormonal treatment for certain stages of endometrial cancer.

How It Works

  • Megestrol acetate is a synthetic progestogen that binds to progesterone receptors in target tissues. The receptor activation exerts antineoplastic effects by modulating hormone‑dependent tumor growth and also influences metabolic pathways that increase appetite, possibly through glucocorticoid‑like activity that alters neuropeptide signaling and energy balance.

Side Effects

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

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Edema
  • Fatigue

Serious or Rare Side Effects

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

Precautions & Warnings

  • Before initiating Megace, clinicians should consider several safety measures.
  • Monitor blood glucose: check fasting glucose regularly as hyperglycemia may develop.
  • Observe blood pressure: hypertension can occur, especially in high‑risk patients.
  • Assess thromboembolic risk: evaluate history of clotting disorders before initiating therapy.
  • Review hepatic function: liver enzymes may rise; monitor liver tests periodically.
  • Avoid use in known hypersensitivity: discontinue if allergic reaction occurs.
  • Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Avoid Interactions

Megace can interact with other medicines, requiring attention to avoid reduced efficacy or increased toxicity.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

  • CYP3A4 inducers (rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine): may reduce Megace plasma levels.
  • Anticoagulants (warfarin): increased risk of clotting may be potentiated.
  • Glucocorticoids: additive effects on glucose and fluid retention.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

  • Antidiabetic agents: may require dose adjustment due to altered glucose control.
  • Antihypertensive drugs: blood pressure may rise, necessitating monitoring.
  • NSAIDs: combined use can increase gastrointestinal irritation.
  • Hormonal contraceptives: efficacy may be reduced, consider alternative contraception.
  • Digoxin: possible increase in serum concentration, monitor levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Megace is prescribed for patients who experience severe weight loss due to AIDS‑related cachexia or cancer‑related anorexia, and it is also used as hormonal therapy in advanced breast cancer and certain stages of endometrial carcinoma.

Megestrol acetate binds to progesterone receptors, producing antineoplastic effects in hormone‑sensitive tumors and stimulating appetite through glucocorticoid‑like actions that modify neuropeptide signals and metabolic pathways.

The appropriate dose of Megace is individualized by the prescribing clinician based on the patient’s diagnosis, severity of weight loss, overall health status, and response to therapy; no fixed regimen is provided here.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety data for Megace are limited. It is generally advised to avoid use during pregnancy unless the potential benefit outweighs the risk, and caution is recommended for nursing mothers because the drug may be excreted in breast milk.

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 required import documentation.

Megace, a synthetic progestogen, primarily stimulates appetite via hormonal pathways, whereas dronabinol, a cannabinoid, acts on the endocannabinoid system. Megace also offers antineoplastic benefits for hormone‑sensitive cancers, a property not shared by dronabinol.

Megace should be stored at room temperature, below 25 °C, in its original packaging. Keep the product away from moisture, direct sunlight, and excessive heat to maintain its stability.

Megace is taken orally, usually as a tablet, with or without food as directed by the healthcare provider. The exact timing and any accompanying instructions are determined by the prescriber.

Serious risks include thromboembolic events such as deep‑vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, adrenal insufficiency, and severe hyperglycemia or Cushingoid syndrome. Patients should be monitored closely for signs of these conditions.

Megace is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to megestrol acetate or any excipients, and it should be used with caution in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, active thromboembolic disease, or severe hepatic impairment.

Published by

GNH India Pharmaceuticals Limited

Licensed pharmaceutical supplier

Last updated:

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