TabletsClinical Overview
Megestrol Acetate Tablets (40mg) is a synthetic oral derivative of progesterone on the PMBI formulary. It downregulates luteinizing hormone secretion, exerts antiestrogenic activity in hormone-sensitive tumors, and centrally stimulates neuropeptide Y (NPY) and downregulates catabolic cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6) in the hypothalamus, powerfully stimulating appetite and promoting non-fluid body weight gain. Indicated for treatment of anorexia, cachexia, and unexplained significant weight loss in patients with advanced cancer or AIDS, and palliative treatment of advanced endometrial and recurrent breast carcinoma.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Verified Clinical References
Usage Guidelines
For cancer cachexia/anorexia: Take orally 400 mg to 800 mg daily in single or divided doses with water. For breast/endometrial cancer: 40 mg to 320 mg daily in divided doses. Shake oral suspensions thoroughly if used. Re-evaluate periodically.
General Administration Advice: Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage, frequency, and treatment course. For oral medications, swallow with sufficient water. Never stop antibiotics, psychiatric medications, or antihypertensives abruptly without clinical direction.
Possible Side Effects
Common: Weight gain, increased appetite, peripheral edema, nausea, breakthrough vaginal bleeding, hot flushes, hypertension. Rare/Severe: Deep vein thrombosis / pulmonary embolism, secondary adrenal insufficiency (due to intrinsic glucocorticoid activity), and new-onset diabetes mellitus / hyperglycemia.
*Note: Individual physiological responses vary. While many patients experience few or no side effects, notify your treating physician if adverse reactions persist or if hypersensitivity (angioedema, skin rash, dyspnea) occurs.
Precautions & Warnings
Venous thromboembolic risk; use with caution in patients with a history of thrombophlebitis. Possesses substantial intrinsic glucocorticoid properties; long-term use suppresses pituitary-adrenal axis, requiring steroid tapering to avoid acute adrenal crisis during stress or discontinuation. Contraindicated in pregnancy.
Schedule H (Prescription Required)
This medication is scheduled under statutory drug regulatory frameworks (CDSCO / Drugs & Cosmetics Rules). Dispensing requires a valid medical prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Self-medication or unsupervised dosage adjustment carries significant clinical risks.
Medical Disclaimer: Statutory Clinical Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and price-transparency purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, oncological diagnosis, or chemotherapy protocol guidance. Cancer therapies require specialized administration under the direct supervision of a registered medical oncologist in an accredited healthcare facility.