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MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
05 Dec 2023 | 06:15 PM (IST)

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Megestril 160mg Tablet


Product introduction

Megestril 160mg Tablet is used to treat breast cancer and endometrial cancer. It specifically helps treat breast and endometrial cancer that are hormone dependent. It may also be used for treating low appetite and weight loss in patients with advanced cancer or HIV.

It is a progestin.

Uses of Megestril Tablet

Benefits of Megestril Tablet

In Breast cancer

Megestril 160mg Tablet relieves the symptoms of breast cancer such as breast lumps, bloody discharge from nipples, or changes in the shape or texture of the breast. It works by altering the production of those hormones in the body that are essential for the growth and spread of breast cancer. It may also interact with other hormones or have a direct effect on the cancer to stop its growth.

In Endometrial cancer

Megestril 160mg Tablet is a synthetic hormone which replicates the effect of a natural female hormone called progesterone. It relieves the symptoms of endometrial cancer (a type of cancer that develops in the lining of the womb) such as, abnormal vaginal bleeding, lower back pain, pain during sex, etc. It interferes with the production and working of those hormones in the body that are essential for the growth and spread of endometrial cancer. It may also interact with other hormones or have a direct effect on the cancer to stop its growth.

Side effects of Megestril Tablet

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Megestril

  • Increased appetite
  • Weight gain
  • Hot flashes
  • High blood pressure
  • Constipation
  • Increased glucose level in blood

How to use Megestril Tablet

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Megestril 160mg Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Safety advice

Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Megestril 160mg Tablet. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
UNSAFE
Megestril 160mg Tablet is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Megestril 160mg Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Driving
SAFE
Megestril 160mg Tablet does not usually affect your ability to drive.
Kidney
CAUTION
Megestril 160mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Megestril 160mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
CAUTION
Megestril 160mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Dose adjustment of Megestril 160mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

All substitutes

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Megestril 160mg Tablet
₹102.5/Tablet
Endace 160 Tablet
Samarth Life Sciences Pvt Ltd
₹109.6/tablet
16% costlier
Megeetron 160mg Tablet
Alkem Laboratories Ltd
₹81/tablet
14% cheaper
Megasty 160mg Tablet
Aureate Healthcare Pvt Ltd
₹99.5/tablet
6% costlier
Megahenz 160mg Tablet
Alniche Life Sciences Pvt Ltd
₹75/tablet
20% cheaper
Neostrol 160mg Tablet
Neon Laboratories Ltd
₹80.1/tablet
15% cheaper

Quick tips

  • Megestril 160mg Tablet is used to treat women with certain hormone-dependent cancers such as breast cancer and endometrial cancer.
  • It may also be used for treating appetite and weight loss in people with advanced cancer or AIDS.
  • You may have to take it for atleast 2 months before you notice any changes in your appetite.
  • Your doctor might do regular blood tests to check your hormones and blood sugar levels while you are taking this medicine.
  • Do not take Megestril 160mg Tablet if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Inform your doctor immediately if you notice unexplained swelling and pain in your limbs, shortness of breath, chest pain, severe headache, or changes in vision. These could be symptoms of a blood clot in a vein.
  • Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor first.

Fact Box

Chemical Class
Progesterone Congeners
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
ANTI NEOPLASTICS
Action Class
Progestins (First generation)

Patient concerns

arrow
If any symtom of brest cancer if have whats the cure
Dr. Sanjay Singh Rai
Medical Oncology and Hematology
First is confirmation of breast cancerChance of cure depends on stage of cancer
BREAST CANCER , PET REPORT SAYS INFECTION IN SKELETON.
Dr. Sanjay Singh Rai
Medical Oncology and Hematology
Metastatic breast cancer, send me previous treatment details
arrow

FAQs

What is Megestril 160mg Tablet and what is it used for?

Megestril 160mg Tablet contains a medicine called Megestrol which is similar to the hormone progesterone, that naturally occurs in your body. It is used in hormone-dependent cancers of breast and endometrium (lining of the uterus). It may also be used to promote appetite and weight gain in AIDS patients.

Does Megestril 160mg Tablet make you gain weight?

Yes, Megestril 160mg Tablet may cause weight gain as a very common side effect. Weight gain could be due to an increase in appetite which leads to an overall increase in fat and body cell mass. Consult your doctor if you experience excessive weight gain. It is commonly used to treat malnutrition, loss of appetite and severe weight loss in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, it is not intended for preventive use to avoid weight loss.

When should I take Megestril 160mg Tablet?

You can take Megestril 160mg Tablet at any time of the day. However, you should take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow it whole with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day since this helps you to remember taking it. Check with your doctor if you are not sure.

Does Megestril 160mg Tablet stop periods?

No, Megestril 160mg Tablet does not stop periods. However, it may interfere with your normal menstrual cycle. It may cause break-through bleeding and therefore has limited use in HIV infected women. Consult your doctor in case you experience breakthrough bleeding during the treatment with Megestril 160mg Tablet.

Is Megestril 160mg Tablet a chemo medicine?

No, Megestril 160mg Tablet is not a chemo medicine. It is a man-made version of the progesterone hormone. It is helpful in the treatment of breast cancer and endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterus). It works by modifying the female hormones involved in cancer growth.

Is Megestril 160mg Tablet acetate safe to be taken during pregnancy?

No, you should not take Megestril 160mg Tablet if you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy. However, if you become pregnant while taking Megestril 160mg Tablet, immediately contact your doctor as Megestril 160mg Tablet may cause harm to your unborn baby. It is important to inform the doctor because it may cause abnormalities of sex organs in male and female babies if it is taken during first 3 months of pregnancy. Usually, the doctor may suggest a pregnancy test before starting your treatment with Megestril 160mg Tablet.

Does Megestril 160mg Tablet prevent pregnancy?

No, Megestril 160mg Tablet does not prevent pregnancy. It may disrupt your normal menstrual cycle but does not prevent pregnancy. Hence, you should use a reliable method of birth control to prevent pregnancy. Check with your doctor in case you are not sure or have any doubts.

What is Megestril 160mg Tablet? What is it used for?

Megestril 160mg Tablet contains Megestrol, which is similar to the naturally produced hormone progesterone. The medicine is used in treatment hormone-dependent cancers of breast and endometrium (lining of the uterus). It may also be used to promote appetite and weight gain in AIDS patients.

Does Megestril 160mg Tablet need to be refrigerated?

No, there is no need to refrigerate Megestril 160mg Tablet. However, this medicine should not be stored above 25°C. It should be stored in original packaging to protect from moisture.

Is Megestril 160mg Tablet used for hot flashes?

Use of Megestril 160mg Tablet in hot flashes is not approved. Always consult your doctor before using Megestril 160mg Tablet. Usually, estrogen in women and androgen in men are used for the treatment of hot flashes but these hormones cannot be used in females with breast cancer and males with prostate cancer.

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Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

References

  1. Medsacpe. Megestrol. [Accessed 03 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:External Link
  2. Megestrol. Spring Valley, New York: Par Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc.; 1993 [revised May 2013]. [Accessed 03 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:External Link
  3. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed 04 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:External Link

Marketer details

Name: Caresbridge Pharmaceuticals
Address: Office no. 1031, 10th Floor, Plot No. 7, Laxminagar, District Centre, Delhi
Country of origin: India

MRP
1025
Inclusive of all taxes
10.0 tablets in 1 strip
SOLD OUT

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