Megestrol Acetate

Indications & Dose:

 Anorexia, cachexia, or unexplained weight loss in patients with AIDS (suspension); advanced breast or endometrial cancer 

DOSE

Breast cancer: 160mg/day (40mg qid).

Endometrial cancer: 40mg/day to 320mg/day in divided doses.

• Anorexia, cachexia: PO 800 mg/day (20 ml susp/ day) initially; daily doses of 400-800 mg have been shown to be effective. At least 2 months of continuous treatment is considered an adequate period for determining efficacy.

 Overdose: No serious side-effects resulted from studies involving administration as high as 800 mg/ day. 

Contraindications:

As a diagnostic test for pregnancy, known or suspected pregnancy, prophylactic use to avoid weight loss

Warnings: Use in other types of neoplastic disease not  recommended. Use of progestational agents during first 4 months of pregnancy is contraindicated.

Side Effects:

CNS: Headache, confusion, depression. hypesthesia, neuropathy, paresthesia
CV: Edema, palpitation
GI: Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, flatulence
GU: Gynecomastia, breast tenderness, impotence, breakthrough bleeding
HEME: Thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism
RESP: Dyspnea 

Cautions:

Precautions:

Children, HIV infected women 

Interaction:

Warnings:

Adverse Effects:

Lactations:

Special Precautions:

Counselling:

Side Effects Or Adverse Reactions:

Patient And Carer Advice: