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What is Megace
Megestrol acetateThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment Summary17-Hydroxy-6-methylpregna-3,6-diene-3,20-dione is a hormone that is typically used as the acetate ester. It is more powerful than progesterone and is used to prevent ovulation and to provide palliative treatment for breast cancer.
Megestrol Acetateis the brand name
Megace Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Megestrol Acetate
Megestrol acetate
1988
76
Effectiveness
How Megace Affects PatientsMegestrol mimics the effects of the hormone progesterone, such as changes in the lining of the uterus, a higher body temperature, and causing a period-like bleed when combined with estrogen. It has some effects similar to glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid, but does not have any estrogenic, androgenic, or anabolic activity. The exact way it helps with anorexia and cancer is unknown. Megestrol was first used as a contraceptive in 1967, and later used to treat cancer.
How Megace works in the bodyWe don't know exactly how megestrol acetate works to help people with anorexia and cachexia, but we think it might have something to do with suppressing the hormone luteinizing hormone. We also think that its effects on weight gain could be related to its ability to increase appetite or affect metabolism. Megestrol may also be able to interfere with the production of hormones that stop fat cells from producing fat.
When to interrupt dosage
The advocated dosage of Megace is contingent upon the diagnosed affliction, like Recurrent Endometrial Carcinoma, Breast and Endometrial Carcinoma. The degree of dosage varies, in line with the method of administration (e.g. Oral or Suspension - Oral) noted in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
, 40.0 mg, 125.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 625.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Endometrial Carcinoma
, 40.0 mg, 125.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 625.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Recurrent Endometrial Carcinoma
, 40.0 mg, 125.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 625.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Breast
, 40.0 mg, 125.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 625.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Breast
, 40.0 mg, 125.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 625.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
metastatic Endometrial carcinoma
, 40.0 mg, 125.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 625.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Palliative Treatment
, 40.0 mg, 125.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 625.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Weight decreased
, 40.0 mg, 125.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 625.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Breast
, 40.0 mg, 125.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 625.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Loss of Appetite
, 40.0 mg, 125.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 20.0 mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 160.0 mg, 625.0 mg/mL
, Tablet, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Warnings
Megace has one contraindication and should not be combined with any of the cases listed in the below table.Megace ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
suspected pregnancy
Do Not Combine
Common Megace Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Dofetilide
Major
Megestrol acetate may decrease the excretion rate of Dofetilide which could result in a higher serum level.
Tranexamic acid
Major
Megestrol acetate may increase the thrombogenic activities of Tranexamic acid.
Abacavir
Minor
Megestrol acetate may decrease the excretion rate of Abacavir which could result in a higher serum level.
Acetohexamide
Minor
The therapeutic efficacy of Acetohexamide can be decreased when used in combination with Megestrol acetate.
Aclidinium
Minor
Megestrol acetate may decrease the excretion rate of Aclidinium which could result in a higher serum level.
Megace Toxicity & Overdose RiskStudies have found that taking megestrol acetate oral suspension at dosages of up to 1200mg per day is generally safe. However, taking this medication may cause an artificial decrease in the production of hormones from the adrenal glands. This is likely due to the medication's properties as a hormone-like drug.
Megace Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Megace?
315 active clinical trials are presently exploring the use of Megace in the therapeutic management of metastatic Endometrial Carcinoma, Cachexia and Breast Cancer.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
metastatic Endometrial carcinoma
0 Actively Recruiting
Breast
0 Actively Recruiting
Loss of Appetite
3 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable
Weight decreased
0 Actively Recruiting
Breast
0 Actively Recruiting
Breast
0 Actively Recruiting
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
5 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 1, Not Applicable
Palliative Treatment
0 Actively Recruiting
Endometrial Carcinoma
0 Actively Recruiting
Recurrent Endometrial Carcinoma
14 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1, Phase 3
Patient Q&A Section about megace
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.How long does it take Megace to stimulate appetite?
"You may not notice an improved appetite for up to 3 weeks. You may not notice weight gain for up to 12 weeks."
Answered by AI
What is Megace 40 mg used for?
"Megestrol is a medication used to help people with AIDS who are experiencing a loss of appetite and weight. By increasing appetite and weight, it can help improve overall feelings of wellness and energy levels."
Answered by AI
Is Megace a chemo pill?
"A drug called megestrol, sold under the brand name Megace, is used to treat secondary breast and womb cancer--that is, cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Megestrol may also be used to treat breast and womb cancer that has come back after treatment (recurrent cancer). In addition, megestrol can be used to improve your appetite."
Answered by AI