Product image of Megastril (Megestrol Acetate) supplied by GNH India

Megastril

Active Ingredient:
Megestrol Acetate
Origin:
EU

Megastril (Megestrol Acetate)

Megestrol Acetate, the active ingredient in Megastril, is a progestin presented as an oral formulation for systemic use. It is employed to stimulate appetite in patients with cachexia and to treat certain hormone‑sensitive cancers such as advanced breast and endometrial carcinoma.

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

Manufacturer / TM Owner

Hasco-Lek

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Indications & Clinical Uses

Megestrol Acetate is a progestin used in hormone‑dependent conditions and cachexia.

  • Cachexia: improves appetite and promotes weight gain in patients with cancer‑related or AIDS‑related wasting.
  • Advanced breast cancer: provides antineoplastic activity in hormone‑responsive tumors.
  • Endometrial cancer: used as hormonal therapy for advanced or recurrent disease.

How It Works

  • Megestrol Acetate acts as a progesterone receptor agonist with additional glucocorticoid activity. By binding to intracellular progesterone receptors, it modulates gene transcription that influences appetite regulation in the hypothalamus and exerts antiproliferative effects on estrogen‑dependent tumor cells, thereby reducing tumor growth and improving nutritional status.

Side Effects

Megestrol Acetate may be associated with a range of adverse reactions, which are grouped by frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

  • Weight gain: increased adipose tissue and fluid retention.
  • Nausea: mild to moderate gastrointestinal discomfort.
  • Fatigue: generalized tiredness.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

  • Thromboembolic events: deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
  • Adrenal suppression: reduced cortisol production.
  • Severe allergic reaction: anaphylaxis or Stevens‑Johnson syndrome.

Precautions & Warnings

Before initiating therapy, clinicians should consider several safety measures.

  • Monitor weight: assess for excessive gain or edema.
  • Check blood glucose: screen for hyperglycemia, especially in diabetic patients.
  • Evaluate lipid profile: periodic testing for dyslipidemia.
  • Assess for thrombotic risk: avoid in patients with history of clotting disorders.
  • Review adrenal function: consider cortisol testing if long‑term therapy is planned.
  • Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25°C in original container, protect from moisture.

Avoid Interactions

Megestrol Acetate can interact with other medicines, requiring attention to potential effects.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

  • Anticoagulants: increased risk of thrombosis.
  • CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin): may reduce plasma levels.
  • Glucocorticoids: additive adrenal suppression.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

  • Antidiabetic agents: potential for hyperglycemia.
  • Lipid‑lowering drugs: may alter lipid profile.
  • Hormonal therapies: possible antagonistic effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Megastril contains Megestrol Acetate, a progestin indicated for appetite stimulation in patients with cancer‑related or AIDS‑related cachexia and as hormonal therapy for advanced breast cancer and endometrial cancer. It helps improve nutritional status and can slow tumor progression in hormone‑sensitive cancers.

Megestrol Acetate binds to progesterone receptors, acting as an agonist, and also exhibits glucocorticoid‑like activity. This dual action influences hypothalamic pathways that control hunger, leading to increased appetite, while also modulating gene expression in estrogen‑dependent tumor cells to inhibit their growth.

The dose of Megastril is individualized and set by the prescribing clinician based on the patient’s condition, weight, and response. No fixed regimen is provided here; healthcare professionals determine the appropriate strength and frequency according to clinical guidelines.

Safety data for Megestrol Acetate in pregnancy and lactation are limited. Because it is a hormonal agent, it is generally avoided unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus or infant. Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding should discuss alternatives with their healthcare provider.

To request Megastril, 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 necessary import documentation.

The most common alternative for appetite stimulation is megestrol acetate’s sister compound, medroxyprogesterone acetate, and other agents such as dronabinol. Compared with medroxyprogesterone, Megastril generally offers similar progestogenic activity but may have a slightly stronger glucocorticoid effect, influencing weight gain and metabolic profile. Choice depends on individual tolerance, drug‑interaction profile and clinician preference.

Megastril should be stored at ambient temperature, below 25 °C, in its original packaging to protect it from moisture and light. Keep the product out of reach of children and avoid storing it in bathrooms or other humid environments.

Megastril is taken orally, usually with or without food as directed by the prescriber. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and not crushed or chewed unless specifically instructed.

Serious adverse events include thromboembolic complications such as deep‑vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, adrenal suppression leading to cortisol deficiency, severe hyperglycemia, and rare but life‑threatening allergic reactions like anaphylaxis or Stevens‑Johnson syndrome. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience sudden swelling, shortness of breath, severe fatigue, or signs of infection.

Megastril is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to megestrol acetate, active uncontrolled thromboembolic disease, severe uncontrolled diabetes, or those receiving systemic glucocorticoids where additive adrenal suppression could be hazardous. Caution is also advised for individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease, liver impairment, or active infections.

Published by

GNH India Pharmaceuticals Limited

Licensed pharmaceutical supplier

Last updated:

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