Megace

Megace

 [mĕ-gās´]

trademark for a preparation of megestrol acetate, a steroid used as a palliative antineoplastic agent and in treatment of anorexia and cachexia.

Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

megestrol acetate

Apo-Megestrol (CA), Megace, Megace ES, Megace-OS (CA), Nu-Megestrol

Pharmacologic class: Hormone

Therapeutic class: Progestin, antineoplastic, appetite stimulant

Pregnancy risk category D (tablets), X (suspension)

Action

Unknown. Thought to suppress growth of progestin-sensitive breast and endometrial tumors by inhibiting pituitary and adrenal function.

Availability

Oral suspension: 40 mg/ml

Oral suspension (concentrate): 625 mg/5 ml

Tablets: 20 mg, 40 mg

Indications and dosages

➣ Breast cancer

Adults: 160 mg/day P.O. given as 40 mg P.O. q.i.d.

➣ Endometrial cancer

Adults: 40 to 320 mg/day P.O. in divided doses

➣ Anorexia, cachexia, or unexplained significant weight loss in AIDS patients

Adults: 800 mg (oral suspension only) P.O. daily, or 625 mg (oral suspension concentrate) P.O. daily

Off-label uses

• Endometriosis, endometrial hyperplasia

• Prostatic hypertrophy

• Contraception

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug or its components

• Known or suspected pregnancy (suspension only)

Precautions

Use cautiously in:

• diabetes mellitus, severe hepatic disease, renal disease, cardiovascular disease, seizure disorders, cerebral hemorrhage, migraine, asthma, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, depression

• history of thrombophlebitis

• breastfeeding.

Administration

• Give with meals if GI upset occurs.

Adverse reactions

CNS: headache, insomnia, drowsiness, asthenia, confusion, neuropathy, hyperesthesia, abnormal thinking, paresthesias, depression, seizures

CV: hypertension, chest pain, thrombophlebitis, deep vein thrombosis

EENT: amblyopia, retinal thrombosis, pharyngitis

GI: nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, flatulence, dyspepsia, dry mouth, increased salivation, oral candidiasis

GU: breast tenderness, breakthrough bleeding, decreased libido

Hematologic: anemia, leukopenia

Hepatic: hepatomegaly

Metabolic: hyperglycemia

Musculoskeletal: carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain

Respiratory: dyspnea, cough, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism

Skin: alopecia, rash, pruritus, sweating

Other: edema, fever, weight gain, herpes infection

Interactions

Drug-diagnostic tests. Lactate dehydrogenase: increased level

Patient monitoring

☞ Watch for signs and symptoms of thromboembolic disorders.

☞ Stay alert for visual disturbances, headache, abdominal pain, and hepatomegaly.

• Monitor glucose level in diabetic patients.

Patient teaching

• Inform patient that drug may cause back or abdominal pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, or breast tenderness.

☞ Tell patient to immediately report pain, swelling or redness of lower legs, chest or back pain, or shortness of breath.

• Advise patient to contact prescriber if adverse effects become pronounced or if other troublesome signs or symptoms occur.

• Urge patient to use reliable contraception.

☞ Instruct patient to immediately report suspected pregnancy.

• Caution female patient to avoid breastfeeding.

• Advise diabetic patient to monitor blood glucose level.

• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the tests mentioned above.

McGraw-Hill Nurse's Drug Handbook, 7th Ed. Copyright © 2013 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved

megestrol acetate

Endocrinology
A synthetic progestin/progestational anti-androgen that blocks oestrogenic effects, androgen production and androgen-mediated activity, reducing serum gonadotropin and testosterone. It reduces hot flushes by 85% in menopausal women and androgen-deprived men compared to 20% in placebo group.

Oncology
Megestrol acetate is used to manage weight loss and anorexia in patients with AIDs and breast, endometrial and prostate cancer. In combination with oestradiol, it maintains castrate levels of testosterone in patients with metastatic prostate cancer.

Adverse effects
Dysmenorrhoea, chest pain, depression, oedema in hands and feet, brown spots on skin, hirsutism, breast tenderness, hypertension, venous thrombosis.

Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.

Megace®

Megestrol acetate, see there.

McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Megace

A brand name for MEGESTROL.

Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005

Patient discussion about Megace

Q. What do you think are the chances of an 85 year old lady that gained a lot of weight recently to lose it? She takes hormones (megace) for cancer treatment which make her hungry. She gained about 20 Kilos in the last two years. She needs to lose it. Any ideas what is the best way to handle this problem and where can I find a good dietitian that can come to her place and support her. She lives in Jerusalem, Israel.

A. Hi Michal,I have done a lot of reading and watched some movies here at this website http://www.drday.com/ Eating lots of food isn't so bad if you eat the rite food.Dr Day had cancel and refused treatment because she is a Doctor and knows probably more about treatment than most.She has info for sale But has alot info at her site including videos.May this could help and she might be able to get off the drug too and end up become healthy.Take care

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