Megestrol
Introduction To Megestrol
Megestrol is used to treat breast cancer and endometrial cancer. It specifically helps treat breast and endometrial cancer that are hormone dependent. It may also be used for treating low appetite and weight loss in patients with advanced cancer or HIV.
Megestrol should be taken with or without food, preferably at a fixed time each day to ensure consistent levels of medicine in the body. This medicine is not used for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It may cause side effects like high blood pressure and increased blood sugar levels but they are temporary. However, if these persist, consult with the doctor.
Uses of Megestrol
- Breast cancer
- Endometrial cancer
Benefits of Megestrol
Breast cancer
Megestrol relieves the symptoms of breast cancer such as breast lumps, bloody
discharge from nipples, or changes in the shape or texture of the breast. It
works by altering the production of those hormones in the body that are
essential for the growth and spread of breast cancer. It may also interact
with other hormones or have a direct effect on the cancer to stop its growth.
Endometrial cancer
Megestrol is a synthetic hormone which replicates the effect of a natural
female hormone called progesterone. It relieves the symptoms of endometrial
cancer (a type of cancer that develops in the lining of the womb) such as,
abnormal vaginal bleeding, lower back pain, pain during sex, etc. It
interferes with the production and working of those hormones in the body that
are essential for the growth and spread of endometrial cancer. It may also
interact with other hormones or have a direct effect on the cancer to stop its
growth.
Side effects of Megestrol
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Megetra
- Increased appetite
- Weight gain
- Hot flashes
- High blood pressure
- Constipation
- Increased glucose level in blood
How to use Megestrol
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Megestrol may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Megestrol works
Megestrol is a progestin (female hormone). It works in patients with breast cancer and endometrial cancer by affecting female hormones involved in cancer growth. It causes weight gain by increasing appetite.
Quick tips
- Megestrol is used to treat women with certain hormone-dependent cancers such as breast cancer and endometrial cancer.
- It may also be used for treating appetite and weight loss in people with advanced cancer or AIDS.
- You may have to take it for atleast 2 months before you notice any changes in your appetite.
- Your doctor might do regular blood tests to check your hormones and blood sugar levels while you are taking this medicine.
- Do not take Megestrol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Inform your doctor immediately if you notice unexplained swelling and pain in your limbs, shortness of breath, chest pain, severe headache, or changes in vision. These could be symptoms of a blood clot in a vein.
- Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor first.
Safety Advice
PregnancyUNSAFE
Can I take Megestrol if I’m pregnant?
Megestrol is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.
BreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Megestrol if I’m breastfeeding?
Megestrol is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
AlcoholCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Is drinking alcohol while taking Megestrol safe?
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Megestrol. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingSAFE
Can I drive after taking Megestrol?
Megestrol does not usually affect your ability to drive.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Megestrol if I have/had kidney diseases?
Megestrol should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Megestrol may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Megestrol if I have/had liver diseases?
Megestrol should be used with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Dose adjustment of Megestrol may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Megestrol and what is it used for?
Megestrol contains a medicine called Megestrol which is similar to the hormone progesterone, that naturally occurs in your body. It is used in hormone-dependent cancers of breast and endometrium (lining of the uterus). It may also be used to promote appetite and weight gain in AIDS patients.
Q. Does Megestrol make you gain weight?
Yes, Megestrol may cause weight gain as a very common side effect. Weight gain could be due to an increase in appetite which leads to an overall increase in fat and body cell mass. Consult your doctor if you experience excessive weight gain. It is commonly used to treat malnutrition, loss of appetite and severe weight loss in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, it is not intended for preventive use to avoid weight loss.
Q. When should I take Megestrol?
You can take Megestrol at any time of the day. However, you should take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow it whole with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day since this helps you to remember taking it. Check with your doctor if you are not sure.
Q. Does Megestrol stop periods?
No, Megestrol does not stop periods. However, it may interfere with your normal menstrual cycle. It may cause break-through bleeding and therefore has limited use in HIV infected women. Consult your doctor in case you experience breakthrough bleeding during the treatment with Megestrol.
Q. Is Megestrol a chemo medicine?
No, Megestrol is not a chemo medicine. It is a man-made version of the progesterone hormone. It is helpful in the treatment of breast cancer and endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterus). It works by modifying the female hormones involved in cancer growth.
Q. Is Megestrol acetate safe to be taken during pregnancy?
No, you should not take Megestrol if you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy. However, if you become pregnant while taking Megestrol, immediately contact your doctor as Megestrol may cause harm to your unborn baby. It is important to inform the doctor because it may cause abnormalities of sex organs in male and female babies if it is taken during first 3 months of pregnancy. Usually, the doctor may suggest a pregnancy test before starting your treatment with Megestrol.
Q. Does Megestrol prevent pregnancy?
No, Megestrol does not prevent pregnancy. It may disrupt your normal menstrual cycle but does not prevent pregnancy. Hence, you should use a reliable method of birth control to prevent pregnancy. Check with your doctor in case you are not sure or have any doubts.
Q. What is Megestrol?
What is it used for? Megestrol contains Megestrol, which is similar to the naturally produced hormone progesterone. The medicine is used in treatment hormone-dependent cancers of breast and endometrium (lining of the uterus). It may also be used to promote appetite and weight gain in AIDS patients.
Q. Does Megestrol need to be refrigerated?
No, there is no need to refrigerate Megestrol. However, this medicine should not be stored above 25°C. It should be stored in original packaging to protect from moisture.
Q. Is Megestrol used for hot flashes?
Use of Megestrol in hot flashes is not approved. Always consult your doctor before using Megestrol. Usually, estrogen in women and androgen in men are used for the treatment of hot flashes but these hormones cannot be used in females with breast cancer and males with prostate cancer.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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