Megestol

Introduction
Megestol 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. Megestol 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 persists, consult with the doctor.

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Uses of Megestol
Breast cancer
Endometrial cancer
Side effects of Megestol
Common
Increased appetite
Weight gain
Hot flashes
High blood pressure
Constipation
Increased glucose level in blood
How to use Megestol
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. Megestol may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Megestol works
Megestol 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
Megestol 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 Megestol 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.
Brief Description
Indication
Contraception, Breast carcinoma, Endometrial carcinoma, Anorexia and Cachexia
Administration
Should be taken with food.
Adult Dose
Oral Palliative treatment of breast carcinoma Adult: 40 mg 4 times daily or 160 mg once daily. Palliative treatment of endometrial carcinoma Adult: 40-320 mg daily in divided doses. evaluate efficacy after 2 months of treatment; up to 800 mg/day may be used Anorexia and cachexia in patients with cancer or AIDS Adult: Initial: 800 mg daily. Usual range: 400-800 mg daily.

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Renal Dose
Renal impairment: Use with caution; in normal renal function, 57-78% is excreted in urine within 10 days
Contraindication
Pregnancy and lactation. Severe hepatic impairment.
Mode of Action
Megestrol is a progestogen used as an antineplastic and appetite stimulant. The mechanism of it’s antineoplastic effects is not known but may be due to inhibition of oestrogen synthesis, modulation of other steroid hormones and/or a direct cytotoxic effect on tumour cells.
Precaution
History of thrombophlebitis, mild to moderate hepatic impairment, risk of fluid retention, history of depression, diabetes, hypertension, renal or cardiac dysfunction. Lactation: Not safe; do not nurse

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Side Effect
Common Hypertension,Insomnia, mood swings Rash, sweating,Amenorrhea, breakthrough bleeding, change in menstrual flow, hot sweats, impotence, spotting Diarrhea, flatulence, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, weight gain Serious Deep vein thrombosis (DVT),Pulmonary embolism,Thrombophlebitis,Anemia,Adrenal insufficiency

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Interaction
Concentrations of indinavir may be reduced. Possible reduced efficacy of cisplatin. Warfarin half life may be increased. Megestrol concentration may be decreased by aminoglutethimide and enzyme-inducing drugs.