Megestrol acetate is a potent
synthetic progesterone hormone with properties similar to those of
natural progesterone. It is used to treat advanced cancers of the
breast and the lining of the womb (endometrium) which are responsive to
hormononal treatment.
Some types of cancers have hormone receptors on their cells. If a
certain hormone binds to the receptor, signals are sent to the cancer
cell to grow. Megestrol acetate works by binding to these receptors,
thereby preventing other hormones, that would encourage the cancer to
grow, from binding. Blocking the receptors means that the cancer no
longer receives signals to grow, and shrinks in size.
This medicine is not curative, as the cancers may return. However,
it enables symptoms to be relieved for a time, which may increase life
expectancy.
This medicine should not be used if you are
allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or
pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using
this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be
used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be
safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the
mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor
if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
This medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
Side effects
Medicines and their possible side
effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following
are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this
medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that
all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
Inability of the heart to pump blood efficiently (heart failure)
Changes in mood
High blood glucose level (hyperglycaemia)
Retention of water in the body tissues (fluid retention)
Nausea and vomiting
Hot flushes
Difficulty in breathing (dyspnoea)
Stimulation of tumour growth
Hair loss (alopecia)
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Itchy rash (urticaria)
Bleeding from the uterus (uterine bleeding)
Weight gain
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with
this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine
or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
How can this medicine affect other medicines?
The levels of Megestrol acetate in the body are markedly reduced when taken in combination with Aminoglutethimide.
The blood levels of warfarin in the body may be increased when
taken together with Megesterol acetate. This could result in the blood
becoming too thin and so greater monitoring may be required.
