Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Megestrol Acetate

Megestrol Acetate: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What Is Megestrol Acetate?

Megestrol Acetate(MGA) is a medication used to treat poor appetite and complex syndromes such as cachexia and anorexia. Megestrol is a synthetic form of the human hormone progesterone. It is an antineoplastic agent that treats metastatic breast cancer and endometrial cancer by affecting female hormones that spread cancer in the body. Megestrol tablets are sold under the brand name Megace. These hormone treatment pills are well absorbed orally in the form of a tablet or liquid suspension.

What are the uses of Megestrol Acetate?

Megestrol Acetate is a progestin drug that is mainly used as an appetite stimulant. Besides, Megestrol Acetate medication is used for the treatment of:

  • Cachexia and anorexia, also known as wasting syndrome.
  • Symptoms that occur due to breast cancer.
  • Symptoms caused by endometrial cancer.
  • Birth control.

It also treats certain other conditions such as :

  • Loss of appetite.
  • Malnutrition.
  • Severe weight loss caused due to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
  • Certain types of malignancy.

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    What are the side effects of Megestrol Acetate?

    In general, the adverse effects of the Megestrol Acetate drug go away with time and do not need any treatment. These include:

    • Weight gain.
    • Extreme hunger.
    • Gastric problem.
    • Edema.
    • Frequent urination.
    • Weakness.
    • Nausea.
    • Vomiting.
    • Dizziness.
    • Leg pain.
    • Blurred vision.

    However, some side effects can be severe. Consult our medical experts in the following cases:

    • Decreased sexual desire.
    • Impotence.
    • Unexpected vaginal bleeding.
    • Heaviness in the chest.
    • Difficulty in breathing.

    What is Megestrol Acetate

    Uses of Megestrol Acetate

    Side effects of Megestrol Acetate

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Megestrol Acetate

    Megestrol Acetate drug is available in tablet and suspension form. It should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. Usually, both the tablet and suspension are taken once a day. Sometimes, the dosage may be divided so that it can be taken multiple times in a day. In the case of concentrated suspension, the dosage is recommended only one time a day.

    Since Megestrol acetate medication is an appetite stimulant, it improves the appetite of patients. Weight gain mainly occurs due to fat. The results can be observed within one or two weeks of starting the treatment. The entire treatment cycle should be about 12 weeks to achieve long-lasting results.

    No, megestrol acetate is not safe. Prolonged consumption of Megestrol Acetate drug may be dangerous. It can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis leading to immobility in patients. Also, Megestrol drugs may cause several blood clots in the body and lead to a heart attack. Consult our medical experts immediately if you experience any such situation.

    Megestrol Acetate or Megestrol is classified as a synthetic form of a female hormone known as progesterone. Therefore, it is a type of hormone therapy. The hormones enter the bloodstream and affect other body tissues. This mechanism is used for the treatment of breast and womb cancer. Megestrol is used for the treatment of endometrial cancer caused over the inner lining of the uterus.

    It is advised not to take megestrol acetate medication if your age is 65 years or older. Besides, one should not take megestrol in case of any allergy. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are recommended to avoid this drug. Get an opinion from our medical experts before you start the treatment.

    Megestrol Acetate can cause some side effects. It may increase the blood pressure of patients. Besides, the treatment may create blood clots inside the body. High blood pressure can damage arteries. Blood clots and damaged arteries decrease blood and oxygen flow to the heart, leading to a heart attack. In case of an emergency, consult our medical experts right away.

    Megestrol Acetate is a high-risk medication as its consumption for a long-time can be hazardous. Moreover, the results of the drug are negligible in comparison to its side effects. There are no considerable changes observed in weight gain or appetite during or after the treatment. Also, Megestrol involves a high risk of thrombotic issues, fluid retention, and death.

    Regular consumption may sometimes cause high blood pressure in patients. However, this may happen in rare scenarios. The patient may experience headaches, bleeding from the nose. Also, there may be blurred vision or shortness of breath. Consult our medical experts right away in case of any emergency. After that, the medical staff shall monitor the BP regularly.

    Taking treatment of Megestrol Acetate may indeed stop the menstrual cycle of women. However, medication is not a method of contraception. The Megace drug contains progestin hormone that causes a change in the uterus. Progestin regulates other hormones in the female body to start and stop periods.

    Continued consumption of Megestrol acetate can be life-threatening. A regular dosage of the megestrol acetate may lead to end-stage renal disease. It is a chronic kidney disease that may cause a gradual loss of kidney function. In the worst case, it may also lead to kidney failure.

    Contact Yashoda Hospitals to know more about Megestrol, its uses, benefits, side effects, and precautions to consider. Our medical expert advisors are available 24*7 to clear all your doubts about any medical concerns.