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

Megesin

Active Ingredient:
Megestrol Acetate
Origin:
EU

Megesin (Megestrol Acetate)

Megestrol acetate, the active ingredient in Megesin, is a progestin presented as an oral formulation for systemic use. It is employed in hormone therapy to manage cachexia associated with AIDS or cancer, and as part of treatment regimens for certain breast and endometrial cancers.

GNH India supplies Megesin as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, oncology centres, pharmacies and clinics worldwide. The product meets European Union quality standards and is distributed under strict regulatory oversight.

Manufacturer / TM Owner

Teva B.V

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Indications & Clinical Uses

Megestrol acetate is used in hormone‑related conditions and cancer‑associated cachexia.

  • Cachexia associated with AIDS or cancer: improves appetite and promotes weight gain.
  • Breast cancer: used as part of hormonal therapy to inhibit tumor growth.
  • Endometrial cancer: employed to control disease progression in advanced cases.

How It Works

  • Megestrol acetate is a synthetic progestogen that binds to intracellular progesterone receptors, activating transcriptional pathways that exert glucocorticoid‑like activity. This interaction modulates cytokine production, stimulates appetite centers in the hypothalamus, and produces antineoplastic effects by inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis in hormone‑sensitive cancers.

Side Effects

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

Common Side Effects

  • Weight gain: increased appetite leading to excess caloric intake.
  • Edema: fluid retention causing swelling of limbs.
  • Nausea: mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
  • Fatigue: generalized tiredness.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

  • Thromboembolic events: deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
  • Adrenal suppression: reduced endogenous cortisol production.
  • Hyperglycemia: elevated blood glucose levels, especially in diabetic patients.

Precautions & Warnings

When prescribing Megesin, clinicians should consider several safety measures.

  • Monitor weight: assess for excessive gain or fluid retention.
  • Evaluate blood glucose: check for hyperglycemia in at‑risk patients.
  • Assess thrombotic risk: consider prophylaxis in patients with history of clotting.
  • Review hormonal status: avoid in patients with known hormone‑sensitive tumors unless indicated.
  • Pregnancy and lactation: contraindicated or use only if benefits outweigh risks; exercise caution.
  • Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, retain in original packaging, protect from moisture and light.

Avoid Interactions

Megestrol acetate can interact with several drug classes, requiring careful management.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

  • Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): may increase risk of thrombosis.
  • CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin): can reduce plasma levels of megesterol acetate.
  • Glucocorticoids: additive effects on glucose metabolism and adrenal suppression.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

  • Antidiabetic agents: may require dose adjustment due to hyperglycemia.
  • Hormonal contraceptives: potential reduction in contraceptive efficacy.
  • Antifungal azoles (e.g., ketoconazole): may increase megesterol acetate concentrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Megesin contains megesterol acetate and is indicated for the management of cancer‑related or AIDS‑related cachexia, as well as for hormone‑based treatment of certain breast and endometrial cancers. It helps stimulate appetite and may slow tumor progression in hormone‑sensitive disease.

Megesterol acetate is a synthetic progestogen that binds to progesterone receptors, activating pathways that mimic glucocorticoid activity. This leads to appetite stimulation, reduced inflammatory cytokine release, and direct antineoplastic effects by inhibiting growth of hormone‑sensitive tumor cells.

The appropriate dose of Megesin is determined by the prescribing clinician based on the patient’s condition, weight, and therapeutic goals. Dosage regimens can vary widely, so the prescriber sets the exact amount and schedule.

Safety data for megesterol acetate in pregnancy and lactation are limited. It is generally avoided unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus or infant. Clinicians should discuss risks with the patient and consider alternative therapies when possible.

To request Megesin, 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.

Megesin’s active ingredient, megesterol acetate, is often compared with other progestins such as medroxyprogesterone acetate. Both share appetite‑stimulating and antineoplastic properties, but megesterol acetate has a stronger glucocorticoid‑like effect, which can result in more pronounced metabolic changes. Choice depends on clinical judgment, patient tolerance, and specific regulatory approvals.

Megesin should be stored at ambient temperature, preferably below 25 °C. Keep the product in its original container, protect it from moisture and direct light, and ensure the packaging remains sealed until use to maintain stability.

Megesin is administered orally, typically as a tablet or capsule taken with water. The exact timing (e.g., with meals or on an empty stomach) is directed by the prescribing physician based on the individual treatment plan.

Serious adverse events include thromboembolic complications such as deep‑vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, adrenal suppression leading to cortisol deficiency, and significant hyperglycemia, especially in patients with pre‑existing diabetes. Prompt medical attention is required if any of these symptoms arise.

Megesin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to megesterol acetate or any excipients, in those with active, uncontrolled thromboembolic disease, and in individuals where hormone‑sensitive tumor progression would be worsened unless specifically indicated. Caution is also advised for pregnant or nursing women.

Published by

GNH India Pharmaceuticals Limited

Licensed pharmaceutical supplier

Last updated:

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