Medication info

Megerol Suspension (Megestrol Acetate)

Prescription medicationSuspensionOral
Ingredient · strength
Megestrol Acetate›4000mg / 100mL
Manufacturer / importer
Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Appearance
A white to pale yellow suspension with an orange flavor contained in a pouch that disperses easily when shaken.
Packaging
20 pouches/box [20 mL/pouch], 20 pouches/box [10 mL/pouch]
Approval status
Active

MFDS item code 200612694 · Notified 2006.12.27 · Insurance code 643500885,643500888

Summary

Main use
Treatment of nutritional disorders associated with cancer and AIDS (such as loss of appetite); palliation of breast and endometrial cancer
Who takes it
Adults
Adult dose
(Tablets) 1. Breast cancer: Administer 160 mg of megestrol acetate orally per day in 4 divided doses (40 mg, 1 tablet per dose, 4 times daily). 2. Endometrial cancer: Administer 40~320 mg of this medication orally per day in divided doses. The effect of this medication should be assessed over an appropriate period, with treatment continued for at least 2 months. (Suspension) Shake well and take 800 mg (20 mL) of megestrol acetate per day. In clinical trials, clinical efficacy was observed with daily doses of 400~800 mg (10∼20 mL) of this medication.

Ingredients

Manufacturer
Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Efficacy & effects

Treatment of nutritional disorders associated with cancer and AIDS (such as loss of appetite); palliation of breast and endometrial cancer

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

This medication in tablet form is used to alleviate symptoms in patients with recurrent or metastatic breast cancer and endometrial cancer for whom surgery is not possible. However, this drug is not suitable as a substitute for surgical procedures or radiation therapy. The suspension form, on the other hand, may help treat cachexia characterized by appetite loss and significant weight loss in cancer or AIDS patients. Overall, this medication is effectively used to relieve symptoms and maintain weight in specific cancer patients.

How to take

Adult dose

(Tablets) 1. Breast cancer: Administer 160 mg of megestrol acetate orally per day in 4 divided doses (40 mg, 1 tablet per dose, 4 times daily). 2. Endometrial cancer: Administer 40~320 mg of this medication orally per day in divided doses. The effect of this medication should be assessed over an appropriate period, with treatment continued for at least 2 months. (Suspension) Shake well and take 800 mg (20 mL) of megestrol acetate per day. In clinical trials, clinical efficacy was observed with daily doses of 400~800 mg (10∼20 mL) of this medication.

Precautions

This medication poses a serious risk to the fetus if administered to pregnant women; therefore, it should not be used by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. Prolonged use of this medication may lead to the onset of diabetes or worsening of existing diabetes, and symptoms such as Cushing's syndrome due to hormonal imbalance may occur. Long-term use or abrupt discontinuation may lead to adrenal insufficiency, with symptoms like hypotension, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and weakness; consultation with a healthcare professional is warranted in such cases. Patients who have had allergic reactions to this medication or its components should not use it, and those with a history of thrombosis or diabetes should use it cautiously. Side effects such as diarrhea, rash, abdominal bloating, hypertension, weakness, insomnia, nausea, anemia, fever, decreased libido, indigestion, headache, vomiting, pneumonia, frequent urination, amblyopia, constipation, dry mouth, liver enlargement, increased salivation, oral candidiasis, cardiomyopathy, palpitations, cough, pharyngitis, pulmonary dysfunction, leukopenia, proteinuria, incontinence, urinary tract infection, gynecomastia, sensory abnormalities, confusion, seizures, depression, and nervousness may occur during use; any unusual symptoms should be discussed with a physician. Though this medication is used for weight loss treatment, the cause of weight loss should first be clearly identified before use, and long-term use may increase the risk of respiratory infections. Pregnant or nursing women should avoid this medication as it may have fatal consequences for the fetus or infant, and nursing should be suspended during treatment. Safety for children has not been established, so it is advisable not to administer it to pediatric patients. There is no specific antidote in case of overdose; therefore, it is essential to adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage and store it out of reach of children and not transfer it to another container.

Side effects

Diarrhea

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

Storage

This medication is sensitive to light and should be stored in a container that does not allow light to enter. It is also advisable to keep the medication at a cool temperature between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.

Appearance and packaging

Appearance

A white to pale yellow suspension with an orange flavor contained in a pouch that disperses easily when shaken.

Package unit

20 pouches/box [20 mL/pouch], 20 pouches/box [10 mL/pouch]

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.

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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.