Megace

How does it work?

Megestrol acetate is a potent synthetic progesterone hormone with properties similar to those of natural progesterone. It is used to treat advanced cancers of the breast and the lining of the womb (endometrium) which are responsive to hormononal treatment. Some types of cancers have hormone receptors on their cells. If a certain hormone binds to the receptor, signals are sent to the cancer cell to grow. Megestrol acetate works by binding to these receptors, thereby preventing other hormones, that would encourage the cancer to grow, from binding. Blocking the receptors means that the cancer no longer receives signals to grow, and shrinks in size. This medicine is not curative, as the cancers may return. However, it enables symptoms to be relieved for a time, which may increase life expectancy.

What is it used for?

Breast cancer

Endometrial cancer

Warning!

At least two months of continuous treatment is required to determine the beneficial effects of this medicine.

Use with caution in

History of inflammation of the veins associated with blood clots (thrombophlebitis)

Severely decreased liver function

Not to be used in

Allergy to any of the active ingredients

Breastfeeding

Children

Pregnancy

Women of child-bearing age

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Inability of the heart to pump blood efficiently (heart failure)

Changes in mood

High blood glucose level (hyperglycaemia)

Retention of water in the body tissues (fluid retention)

Nausea and vomiting

Hot flushes

Difficulty in breathing (dyspnoea)

Stimulation of tumour growth

Hair loss (alopecia)

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Itchy rash (urticaria)

Bleeding from the uterus (uterine bleeding)

Weight gain

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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