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Megace (Megestrol)
| Megestrol (Generic) Megestrol Acetate | ||||||
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Shipped from Canada | ||||||
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| Select product strength & quantity:
Who is the product for? YouOtherAdd Family Member/PetYou must be logged in to add additional members to the order. Don't have an account? or Add Family Member/PetSign inTo continue, please enter your email address and password that you use for your account. | ||||||
General Medication Fact Sheet for Megace
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Megace |
| Generic Name | Megestrol Acetate |
| Boxed/Label Warning | May be associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events (e.g., blood clots, stroke). Use with caution in patients with a history of thromboembolic disease. |
| Purpose | Appetite stimulant used to treat anorexia, cachexia, or unexplained significant weight loss in patients with AIDS or cancer. Also used as antineoplastic agent. |
| Mechanism of Action | The precise mechanism is unknown, but it is thought to have progestational effects, leading to increased appetite and weight gain. It also has antineoplastic effects by inhibiting the growth of certain hormone-sensitive tumors. |
| Dosage Forms | Oral suspension, Tablets |
| Available Strengths | 20 mg tablets, 40 mg tablets, 40 mg/mL oral suspension |
| Dosage Frequency | Usually taken once daily, or as directed by a healthcare provider |
| Common Side Effects | Weight gain, increased appetite, edema, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, rash, insomnia, breakthrough bleeding in women |
| Serious Side Effects | Thromboembolic events (blood clots), adrenal insufficiency, hyperglycemia, new onset diabetes, mood changes, Cushingoid appearance |
| Drug Interactions | Insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents, warfarin, CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin), CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) |
| Important Notes | Monitor blood glucose levels, especially in patients with diabetes. Use with caution in patients with a history of thromboembolic disease. May cause fetal harm if administered to a pregnant woman. |
| Storage | Store tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Store oral suspension as directed on the label. |
| Missed Dose | Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Dronabinol (Marinol), Oxandrolone, Mirtazapine, Cyproheptadine |
Megace Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dronabinol (Marinol) | Cannabinoid receptor agonist | Synthetic form of THC; stimulates appetite and reduces nausea. |
| Oxandrolone | Anabolic steroid | Promotes weight gain and muscle mass, but has significant side effects. |
| Mirtazapine | Tetracyclic antidepressant | Can increase appetite and cause weight gain as a side effect. |
| Cyproheptadine | Antihistamine with antiserotonergic properties | Increases appetite, but can cause drowsiness. |
Megace Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Weight gain | Thromboembolic events (blood clots) |
| Increased appetite | Adrenal insufficiency |
| Edema (swelling) | Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) |
| Nausea | New onset diabetes |
| Vomiting | Mood changes |
| Diarrhea | Cushingoid appearance |
Megace Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anorexia/Cachexia (AIDS) | 800 mg/day (oral suspension) or 800 mg/day (tablets) | 400-800 mg/day (oral suspension or tablets) | Shake suspension well before use. Divide daily dosage into multiple doses as directed by a physician. |
| Anorexia/Cachexia (Cancer) | 400-800 mg/day (oral suspension or tablets) | 400-800 mg/day (oral suspension or tablets) | Shake suspension well before use. Divide daily dosage into multiple doses as directed by a physician. |
| Breast Cancer (Palliative) | 40 mg four times daily (tablets) | 160 mg/day (tablets) | Continue treatment as long as the patient is responding. |
Megace Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $25 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $450 |
| From Canada | $380 |
