Medication info

BC Megestrol Suspension (Megestrol Acetate)

Prescription medicationSuspensionOral
Ingredient · strength
Megestrol Acetate›4000mg / 100mL
Manufacturer / importer
(Ltd.) BC World Pharmaceutical
Appearance
A white to cream-colored suspension with an orange flavor and scent contained in a pouch, easily dispersed when shaken.
Packaging
20 milliliters/pouch [x 12], 20 milliliters/pouch [x 20]
Approval status
Active

MFDS item code 200606450 · Notified 2007.06.12 · Insurance code 653102021

Summary

Main use
Treatment of anorexia and weight loss, and palliation of cancer (including breast cancer)
Who takes it
Adults
Adult dose
(Tablets) 1. Breast cancer: Administer megestrol acetate orally at a total daily dose of 160 mg in 4 divided doses (40 mg, 1 tablet per dose, 4 times daily). 2. Endometrial cancer: Administer this medicine orally at a total daily dose of 40~320 mg in divided doses. The treatment period should be considered adequate to assess the effect of this medicine; continue administration for at least 2 months. (Suspension) Shake well and take megestrol acetate at a total daily dose of 800 mg (20 mL). In clinical trials, clinical effects were demonstrated with a daily dose of 400~800 mg (10∼20 mL) of this medicine.

Ingredients

Manufacturer
(Ltd.) BC World Pharmaceutical

Efficacy & effects

Treatment of anorexia and weight loss, and palliation of cancer (including breast cancer)

  • Recurrent breast cancer
  • metastatic breast cancer
  • unresectable breast cancer
  • endometrial cancer
  • appetite loss
  • cachexia
  • significant unexplained weight loss
View approved original text

This medication is used to relieve symptoms in patients with recurrent, metastatic, and unresectable breast cancer and endometrial cancer. However, it should not be used as a substitute for surgical or radiotherapy. It is also used to treat appetite loss, cachexia, or significant unexplained weight loss in patients with cancer or AIDS. This drug helps manage symptoms and increase weight in various cancer patients.

How to take

Adult dose

(Tablets) 1. Breast cancer: Administer megestrol acetate orally at a total daily dose of 160 mg in 4 divided doses (40 mg, 1 tablet per dose, 4 times daily). 2. Endometrial cancer: Administer this medicine orally at a total daily dose of 40~320 mg in divided doses. The treatment period should be considered adequate to assess the effect of this medicine; continue administration for at least 2 months. (Suspension) Shake well and take megestrol acetate at a total daily dose of 800 mg (20 mL). In clinical trials, clinical effects were demonstrated with a daily dose of 400~800 mg (10∼20 mL) of this medicine.

Precautions

This medication can be very dangerous to the fetus if used by pregnant women, so pregnant women or women who may become pregnant should not take it. Prolonged use may lead to newly developed diabetes or exacerbation of existing diabetes, as well as risk of adrenal insufficiency. Symptoms such as hypotension, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and weakness may occur if adrenal insufficiency develops, so immediate consultation with a healthcare provider is necessary. Individuals with allergies or a history of hypersensitivity to this medication should not take it. Caution should be exercised in patients with a history of thromboembolism or diabetes, as diabetes symptoms may worsen. During usage, side effects such as diarrhea, rash, abdominal bloating, nausea, vomiting, headache, and insomnia may occur, and severe symptoms should be discussed with a doctor. This drug is intended for the treatment of weight loss, so it should be used only after accurately identifying the cause, and prolonged use may increase the risk of respiratory infections. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use this medication, and breastfeeding should be stopped if nursing. Safety and efficacy for pediatric patients have not been established, so it should not be used in children. No specific harmful symptoms have been reported in case of overdose; however, in the event of excessive intake, dialysis may not be effective, hence immediate notification to a healthcare provider is required. This medication should be kept out of reach of children, and transferring it to other containers should be avoided as it may cause accidents or degradation of quality.

Side effects

  • Diarrhea
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Rash
  • Abdominal Distension
  • Hypertension
  • Asthenia
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea
  • Anemia
  • Fever
Show 63 more
  • Decreased Libido
  • Dyspepsia
  • Hyperglycemia
  • Headache
  • Pain
  • Vomiting
  • Pneumonia
  • Frequent Urination
  • Amblyopia
  • Constipation
  • Dry Mouth
  • Hepatomegaly
  • Increased Salivation
  • Oral Candidiasis
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Palpitations
  • Dyspnea
  • Cough
  • Pharyngitis
  • Pulmonary Dysfunction
  • Leukopenia
  • Proteinuria
  • Urinary Incontinence
  • Urinary Tract Infection
  • Gynecomastia
  • Sensory Disturbances
  • Confusion
  • Seizures
  • Depression
  • Neuropathy
  • Sensory Decrease
  • Abnormal Thoughts
  • Alopecia
  • Herpes
  • Itching
  • Bullous Rash
  • Sweating
  • Skin Disorders
  • Elevated LDH
  • Edema
  • Peripheral Edema
  • Chest Pain
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Infection
  • Candidiasis
  • Sarcoma
  • Sudden Bleeding
  • Hearing Loss
  • Heart Failure
  • Emotional Changes
  • Flushing
  • Cushingoid Appearance
  • Tumor Flushing
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Drowsiness
  • Thrombophlebitis
  • Thromboembolic Symptoms
  • Pulmonary Embolism
  • Impaired Glucose Tolerance
  • Anxiety
  • Stomatitis
  • Mucosal Inflammation
  • Shoulder Pain

Not everyone experiences these, and they can vary from person to person.

Storage

This medication may be sensitive to air or moisture, so it should be stored in a closed container. It is recommended to maintain room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. This will help maintain the drug's efficacy and safety for a longer period.

Appearance and packaging

Appearance

A white to cream-colored suspension with an orange flavor and scent contained in a pouch, easily dispersed when shaken.

Package unit

20 milliliters/pouch [x 12], 20 milliliters/pouch [x 20]

Same-ingredient medicines

Even with the same ingredient, strength, dosage form and how it is taken can differ.

Even with the same ingredient, the dose and directions can differ by strength and dosage form. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before switching from a medication you are already taking.

Questions about this medicine

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This drug information is based on data provided by the Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
Consult a doctor or pharmacist for accurate dosage, administration, and usage instructions.