Medication info

Apetrol ES Oral Suspension (Megestrol Acetate)

Prescription medicationSuspensionOral
Ingredient · strength
Megestrol Acetate›12.5g / 100mL
Manufacturer / importer
LG Chem, Ltd.
Appearance
This medication is a milky suspension that is white or pale yellow, packaged in opaque aluminum foil. It disperses easily when shaken. It has a lemon-lime or lemon flavor and aroma.
Packaging
14 packets (5.2mL/packet)
Approval status
Active

MFDS item code 201202081 · Approved 2012.03.27 · Insurance code 668902071

Summary

Main use
Treatment of anorexia, cachexia, and significant unexplained weight loss in patients with cancer or AIDS
Who takes it
Adults
Adult dose
Shake well and take 1 sachet per day [650mg (5.2 mL) of megestrol acetate].

Ingredients

Manufacturer
LG Chem, Ltd.

Efficacy & effects

Treatment of anorexia, cachexia, and significant unexplained weight loss in patients with cancer or AIDS

  • Loss of appetite
  • cachexia
  • significant weight loss
View approved original text

This medication is used to treat loss of appetite, cachexia, and significant unexplained weight loss that may occur in cancer or AIDS patients. These symptoms can worsen the patient's overall health status, and this medication helps alleviate these symptoms, improving the patient's nutritional status. It supports patients in regaining their vitality through appetite stimulation and weight gain. Therefore, this medication is used effectively to improve these symptoms.

How to take

Adult dose

Shake well and take 1 sachet per day [650mg (5.2 mL) of megestrol acetate].

Precautions

This medication can cause serious harm to the fetus if used by pregnant women; therefore, it should not be taken by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. Long-term use of this medication may result in new-onset diabetes or exacerbate existing diabetes, and hormonal disorders such as Cushing's syndrome may occur. Long-term use or discontinuing this medication may lead to adrenal insufficiency, and if symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, or hypotension occur, consultation with a healthcare professional is essential. Patients who have had hypersensitivity reactions to this medication or pregnant women must not take it. Patients with a history of thromboembolism or diabetes should exercise extra caution while taking this medication and should closely monitor blood glucose levels. While taking this medication, side effects such as diarrhea, rash, abdominal distension, headache, nausea, vomiting, anemia, fever, and decreased libido may occur, so if any unusual symptoms arise, immediately consult a doctor. This medication is used for weight loss treatment but must be taken only after the cause has been identified, as long-term use may increase the risk of respiratory infections. Women of childbearing potential must use contraception while taking this medication, and breastfeeding women should stop nursing as this medication can be transmitted through breast milk and harm the baby. Safety in pediatric patients has not been established, so it is better not to use it for children. No specific harmful symptoms have been reported in case of overdose, but caution is necessary as it may be difficult to remove by means such as dialysis. This medication should be kept out of reach of children, and it is advisable not to transfer it to another container to maintain quality. Animal studies have shown reproductive function impairment and fetal growth disturbances, so its use during pregnancy is extremely dangerous.

Side effects

  • Diarrhea
  • erectile dysfunction
  • rash
  • abdominal distension
  • hypertension
  • asthenia
  • insomnia
  • nausea
  • anemia
  • fever
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  • decreased libido
  • dyspepsia
  • hyperglycemia
  • headache
  • pain
  • vomiting
  • pneumonia
  • frequent urination
  • amblyopia
  • constipation
  • dry mouth
  • hepatomegaly
  • increased salivation
  • oral candidiasis
  • cardiomyopathy
  • palpitations
  • shortness of breath
  • cough
  • pharyngitis
  • pulmonary dysfunction
  • leukopenia
  • proteinuria
  • urinary incontinence
  • urinary tract infection
  • gynecomastia
  • paresthesia
  • confusion
  • convulsions
  • depression
  • neuropathy
  • sensory loss
  • abnormal thoughts
  • alopecia
  • herpes
  • itching
  • bullous rash
  • sweating
  • skin disorders
  • elevated LDH
  • edema
  • peripheral edema
  • chest pain
  • abdominal pain
  • infection
  • candidiasis
  • sarcoma
  • spontaneous bleeding
  • hearing loss
  • heart failure
  • mood changes
  • flushing
  • Cushing's face
  • tumor erythema
  • carpal tunnel syndrome
  • drowsiness
  • thrombotic venous inflammation
  • thromboembolic symptoms
  • pulmonary embolism
  • glucose intolerance
  • anxiety
  • stomatitis
  • mucositis
  • shoulder pain

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

Storage

This medication can be sensitive to air and moisture, so it must be stored in a tightly sealed container. Also, it should be kept at a temperature between 1 and 30 degrees Celsius, which is the normal room temperature, avoiding extremely hot or cold places. This will help maintain the medication's effectiveness for a long time.

Appearance and packaging

Appearance

This medication is a milky suspension that is white or pale yellow, packaged in opaque aluminum foil. It disperses easily when shaken. It has a lemon-lime or lemon flavor and aroma.

Package unit

14 packets (5.2mL/packet)

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.