Megestrol Acetate: Treatment for Cancer and Cachexia
Megestrol acetate is a synthetic hormonal medication belonging to the progestin class (a progesterone derivative). It is used in medicine for two main purposes: treatment of certain hormone-dependent cancers and management of severe wasting (cachexia) and appetite loss in seriously ill patients.
The drug works by suppressing the production of certain hormones that stimulate tumor growth (in cancer), and by boosting appetite and promoting weight gain (in wasting conditions). On Unifarm, you can find generic versions of medications (such as Megace) containing this active ingredient.
Indications
- Breast Cancer: Treatment of advanced (metastatic) hormone-dependent breast cancer, typically as a second or subsequent line of hormonal therapy in postmenopausal women.
- Endometrial Cancer: Treatment of advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterine lining).
- Cachexia and Anorexia: Treatment of significant appetite loss and weight loss in patients with cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other serious chronic illnesses.
Dosage and administration
Available as tablets and oral suspension (liquid) taken by mouth.
Dosing depends on the condition being treated:
- Breast cancer: 160 mg daily (40 mg four times a day). May be increased up to 320 mg daily.
- Endometrial cancer: 40–320 mg daily, divided into several doses. The exact dose is determined by your doctor.
- Cachexia / appetite loss: 400–800 mg daily (usually as oral suspension). Started at a lower dose and gradually increased.
How to take: Swallow tablets whole with water. Shake the suspension well before use. Can be taken with or without food. Treatment is usually long-term — at least 2 months to assess effectiveness for cancer indications.
- Allergy (hypersensitivity) to megestrol acetate or any ingredient in the product.
- Pregnancy — the drug can cause birth defects. Pregnancy must be ruled out before starting treatment.
- Breastfeeding.
- Active thromboembolic disease (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism) or a history of these conditions — the drug increases the risk of blood clots.
- Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.
- Severe liver impairment.
Megestrol acetate is generally reasonably well tolerated, but the following side effects may occur with prolonged use:
- Metabolism: Weight gain (desired in cachexia but may be unwanted in other settings), elevated blood sugar (hyperglycemia), new onset or worsening of diabetes.
- Blood clots: Increased risk of thrombosis (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism) — especially in patients with limited mobility. Seek immediate medical attention for swelling, pain, or redness in a leg, or shortness of breath.
- Hormonal: Adrenal suppression (adrenal insufficiency) with long-term use — do not stop the medication abruptly; fluid retention, edema.
- Digestive system: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence.
- Nervous system: Headache, insomnia, mood changes.
- Reproductive: Breakthrough uterine bleeding, menstrual irregularities, decreased libido.
- Skin: Rash, increased sweating, alopecia (rare).
- General: Fatigue, weakness.
Important: After prolonged use, do not stop treatment suddenly — the dose must be tapered gradually under medical supervision due to the risk of adrenal insufficiency.
