Dangerous Drug: (as Antineoplastic): Megestrol Acetate(me jess’ trole)
Apo-Megestrol (CAN), Megace, Megace ES, Megace OS (CAN), Nu-Megestrol (CAN)
PREGNANCY CATEGORY X
(ORAL SUSPENSION)
PREGNANCY CATEGORY D
(TABLETS)
Drug Classes
Antineoplastic
Hormone
Progestin
Therapeutic Actions
Inhibits secretion of pituitary gonadotropins with resulting decrease in estrogen secretion; exerts cytotoxic effects on tumor cells.
Indications
-
Tablets: Palliation of advanced carcinoma of the breast or endometrium and as an adjunct to surgery or radiation
-
Suspension: Appetite stimulant in HIV-related cachexia, anorexia or unexplained weight loss
-
Unlabeled uses: Appetite stimulant for cachexia in advanced cancer; treatment for hot flashes
Contraindications and Cautions
-
Contraindicated with allergy to progestins; thrombophlebitis, thromboembolic disorders, cerebral hemorrhage or history of these conditions; hepatic disease, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, missed abortion; pregnancy (masculinization of female fetus); lactation.
-
Use cautiously with epilepsy, migraine, asthma, cardiac dysfunction, diabetes, renal impairment.
Available Forms
Tablets—20, 40 mg; suspension—40 mg/mL; extra strength suspension—125 mg/mL
Dosages
Adults
-
Breast cancer: 160 mg/day PO (40 mg qid).
-
Endometrial cancer: 40–320 mg/day PO in divided doses.
-
Cachexia with HIV: Initially, 800 mg/day; normal range, 400–800 mg/day (suspension only) or 625 mg/day ES suspension.
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