Megestrol
About
Megestrol belongs to a class of medications called ‘Progestogens’ used as a symptomatic treatment in patients with breast cancer and endometrial cancer. Breast cancer develops in cells of the breast cells characterized by a lump in the breast, a change in the shape of the nipple or breast, and bloody discharge from the nipples. Endometrial cancer is the cancer of the womb's lining (uterus), characterized by pelvic pain, bleeding between periods, and pain during sex.
Megestrol contains ‘Megestrol’, which belongs to the class of ‘Progestogens’. It works similarly to the female hormone ‘progesterone’. It interferes with the production or action of hormones involved in cancer growth. This effect helps to slow down the progression of cancer and reduce the symptoms associated with cancer.
Megestrol is available in the form of a tablet and oral suspension. You should take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The common side-effects of Megestrol are an increase in appetite, weight gain, shortness of breath, hot flushes (reddening of the face and neck), high blood pressure, increased blood sugar levels, rounded face, constipation, and swelling of a vein due to a blood clot. If any of these side effects persist or get worse, inform your doctor immediately.
Do not take Megestrol if allergic to Megestrol or any contents. Before taking Megestrol, inform your doctor if you have severe liver problems, a history of thrombophlebitis (blood clots), stroke, adrenal gland disorder, and diabetes. Megestrol should be used with caution in elderly patients. Megestrol is not recommended for children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. Do not consume alcohol, as it may increase the risk of side effects. Megestrol may not affect your ability to drive.
Uses of Megestrol
Medicinal Benefits
Megestrol contains ‘Megestrol’, which is used in the treatment of breast cancer and endometrial cancer. It acts by interfering with the production of hormones that cause the development of cancer. It helps to reduce the symptoms of cancer effectively. It can also be used to treat loss of appetite in patients with HIV/AIDS.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Megestrol
- Increase in appetite
- Weight gain
- Shortness of breath
- Hot flushes (reddening of the face and neck)
- High blood pressure
- Increased blood sugar levels
- Rounded face
- Constipation
- Swelling of a vein due to a blood clot
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Megestrol increases the risk of blood clots, so it should be used cautiously in patients with a history of thrombophlebitis. Also, if you notice impaired coordination, difficulty speaking, pain in the groin, pain in the arm or leg (especially in the calf of the leg), shortness of breath, general weakness, headache, and dizziness, inform your doctor immediately as it may be a sign of blood clot. Megestrol is not recommended for use in pregnancy. Use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while using this medicine. You may also need to take a pregnancy test before using this medicine. Megestrol contains lactose, so inform your doctor if you have an intolerance to any sugars.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Megestrol may interact with a medicine used to treat heart rhythm disorders (dofetilide) and an anticoagulant (warfarin).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Megestrol should be used with caution in patients with severe liver problems, a history of thrombophlebitis (blood clots), stroke, adrenal gland disorder, and diabetes.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol consumption may increase the risk of side effects and worsen the disease. So, avoid alcohol consumption while using this medicine.
Pregnancy
unsafeMegestrol should not be used in pregnant women as it may cause birth defects in the unborn baby. Women who are of childbearing potential should obtain a negative pregnancy test before using this medicine.
Breast Feeding
unsafeMegestrol is not recommended for use in breastfeeding as it may pass into breastmilk and harm your infant.
Driving
safe if prescribedMegestrol may not affect your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionMegestrol should be used with caution if you have liver disease. Your doctor may adjust the dose or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionMegestrol should be used with caution if you have kidney disease. Your doctor may adjust the dose or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeMegestrol is not recommended for use in children below 12 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy diet. Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs, and added sugar.
- Drink plenty of fluids and eat fibre-rich food to prevent constipation.
- Manage your weight. Shed excess weight by exercising regularly if you are obese or overweight.
- Wear loose, layered clothing during the nighttime, especially in warm weather. This prevents hot flushes.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, herbs, and spices.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
- If you are undergoing surgery, inform your doctor that you are taking Megestrol as it may interfere with the healing process.
- Please do not stop taking Megestrol without discussing it with your doctor.
- Your doctor may advise you to monitor blood pressure regularly and take blood tests to evaluate liver and kidney function while using Megestrol.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Breast cancer: It is a type of cancer that develops in breast cells. Breast cancer may form in lobules (glands that produce milk), ducts of the breast (the pathway that brings milk from glands to the nipple), fatty tissue, or the fibrous connective tissue within the breast. Symptoms include a lump in the breast or tissue thickening which feels different than the normal surrounding tissues, breast pain, redness, swelling, nipple discharge other than breast milk, bloody discharge, unexplained change in shape, size, or appearance of the breast, peeling, flaking or scaling of the skin, and a lump or swelling under the arm. The risk factors of breast cancer are increasing age, family history of breast cancer, and obesity.
Endometrial cancer: It is a type of cancer in which the endometrium (lining of the womb or uterus) is affected. It is usually seen in women above the age of 55 years. Symptoms include bleeding between periods, pelvic pain, and pain during sexual intercourse. Endometrial cancer risk factors are increasing age, obesity, never been pregnant, family history of cancer, and diabetes. This condition is not life-threatening when it is diagnosed and treated in the early stages.
FAQs
Megestrol contains ‘Megestrol’, which works similarly to the female hormone ‘progesterone’. It interferes with the production or action of hormones involved in cancer growth. This effect helps to slow down the progression of cancer and reduce the symptoms associated with cancer.
Megestrol may increase appetite and cause weight gain. You may gain weight, especially in the waist and the upper back. This effect usually decreases after discontinuing the treatment. However, opt for a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a normal weight while using this medicine.
Megestrol may not affect fertility but may disrupt the menstrual cycle (periods). Though this medicine affects periods, you should take reliable contraceptive measures while using Megestrol to prevent pregnancy as it may cause harmful effects to the unborn baby.
Megestrol may increase blood glucose levels, so inform your doctor that you have diabetes before taking this medicine. If prescribed, you should monitor blood glucose levels regularly during the treatment.
Megestrol is not a contraceptive and doesn't help to prevent pregnancy. It would be best to discuss the possible benefits and risks associated with this medicine with your doctor before using it.
