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 hormone therapy in certain cancer indications, particularly in patients with cachexia related to AIDS or advanced malignancies.

GNH India supplies Megace as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, oncology centres, pharmacies and clinics worldwide, ensuring consistent quality and regulatory compliance across multiple markets, and providing reliable logistics for global distribution.

Manufacturer / TM Owner

Bausch Health Ireland Limited

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Indications & Clinical Uses

Megace is a synthetic progestogen used in oncology and supportive care to address disease‑related weight loss and hormone‑sensitive tumors.

  • Cachexia associated with AIDS or cancer: improves appetite and promotes weight gain in affected patients.
  • Advanced breast cancer: provides antineoplastic activity in hormone‑responsive disease.
  • Endometrial cancer: used as hormonal therapy for disease control.

How It Works

  • Megestrol acetate acts as a synthetic progestogen that binds to intracellular progesterone receptors, modulating gene transcription. This interaction produces antineoplastic effects in hormone‑sensitive tumors and stimulates appetite by influencing hypothalamic pathways that regulate food intake and metabolic balance.

Side Effects

Megace may cause a range of adverse reactions, most of which are dose‑related and reversible upon discontinuation.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea: mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset.
  • Weight gain: primarily due to increased appetite.
  • Edema: peripheral swelling, often mild.
  • Fatigue: generalized tiredness.
  • Hot flashes: transient vasomotor symptoms.
  • Mood changes: irritability or mild depression.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

  • Thromboembolic events: deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
  • Adrenal insufficiency: cortisol suppression with abrupt withdrawal.
  • Hyperglycemia: elevated blood glucose, especially in diabetics.
  • Hepatotoxicity: abnormal liver enzymes or hepatic dysfunction.
  • Severe allergic reaction: rash, angioedema, or anaphylaxis.

Precautions & Warnings

Before initiating therapy, clinicians should evaluate patient history and monitor for potential complications.

  • Assess risk of thromboembolism: consider prophylaxis in high‑risk individuals.
  • Monitor blood glucose: adjust diabetic therapy as needed.
  • Evaluate liver function: periodic tests for hepatotoxicity.
  • Watch for adrenal suppression: taper dose gradually when discontinuing.
  • Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, retain in original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Avoid Interactions

Megace can alter the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of several agents; careful review of concomitant medications is advised.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

  • Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of bleeding.
  • CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin): reduced megace exposure.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

  • Antidiabetic drugs: potential for hyperglycemia, monitor glucose levels.
  • Corticosteroids: additive adrenal suppression, assess adrenal function.
  • Hormonal contraceptives: decreased efficacy, consider alternative contraception.

Frequently Asked Questions

Megace (megestrol acetate) is prescribed primarily for appetite stimulation in patients with cachexia due to AIDS or cancer, and as hormone therapy for advanced breast cancer and endometrial cancer. These indications are supported by clinical guidelines and reflect its role as a synthetic progestogen with antineoplastic activity.

Megestrol acetate binds to progesterone receptors inside cells, influencing gene expression that leads to reduced tumor growth in hormone‑sensitive cancers and increased appetite through central nervous system pathways. This dual action helps both to control disease progression and to counteract weight loss.

The appropriate dose of Megace is determined by the prescribing clinician based on the specific indication, patient weight, disease severity, and response to therapy. Dosage may vary widely, and the prescriber will tailor the regimen to each individual’s clinical needs.

The safety of Megace in pregnancy and lactation has not been established. Because it is a synthetic progestogen, it may affect fetal development or be excreted in breast milk. Healthcare providers usually avoid its use in pregnant or nursing women unless the potential benefit outweighs the 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 (including any cold‑chain requirements) and import documentation.

Compared with other appetite‑stimulating agents such as dronabinol or mirtazapine, Megace offers both appetite enhancement and hormonal anti‑cancer activity, making it useful in oncology settings. However, its side‑effect profile, including potential for thromboembolism and hyperglycemia, differs and must be weighed against alternatives.

Megace tablets should be stored at ambient temperature, preferably below 25 °C. Keep them in the original container, protect from moisture, heat and direct sunlight, and ensure the packaging remains tightly closed until use.

Megace is taken orally, usually with food or a light snack to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water; it is not intended for crushing, chewing, or sublingual administration.

Serious risks include thromboembolic events such as deep‑vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, adrenal insufficiency if the drug is stopped abruptly, severe hyperglycemia, and rare cases of hepatotoxicity. Patients should be monitored regularly for signs of these complications.

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. It should also be avoided in individuals where hormonal therapy is contraindicated, unless a specialist determines a clear benefit.

Published by

GNH India Pharmaceuticals Limited

Licensed pharmaceutical supplier

Last updated:

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