What is Megestrol?
Megestrol is a synthetic female sex hormone similar to the natural hormone progesterone. Megestrol pills treat some types of advanced breast and uterine cancers that are sensitive to hormones. It is usually prescribed if the tumor cannot be removed surgically or when the disease recurs after surgery or other anti-cancer drugs or radiation therapy are unable to treat the disease.
This pill shrinks the tumor and prevents it from growing back. Recovery usually occurs two months after treatment. Since this drug does not completely eradicate cancer, it can not be expected with certainty, but its use should be continued.
Megestrol is used to treat breast and endometrial cancer, anorexia, cachexia and severe weight loss, as well as advanced prostate cancer.
Mechanism of action of Megestrol
Synthetic progesterone with anti-estrogenic and estrogen receptor disrupting properties
Low LH titer (through interference with the normal estrogen cycle)
Direct effect on the endometrium
Anti-cancer progestin (by producing direct anti-luteinizing effects through the pituitary gland on endometrial tissue)
Stimulation of appetite (by antagonizing the metabolic effects of catabolic cytokines)
Megestrol Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Perfect
Start of effect:
Breast or endometrial cancer for at least 2 months of continuous treatment
Weight gain 4-2 weeks
Plasma peak:
5 hour suspension
Tablets 3-1 hours
Metabolism: Hepatic (to free steroids and glucuronide)
half life:
Suspension 50-20 hours
Tablets 105-13 hours
Excretion: Urine (57-78%, 5-8% as metabolites), feces (8-30%) within 10 days
Megestrol Contraindications
It should not be used in cases such as undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, liver failure or active liver disease, severe arterial disease, porphyria, breast or genital cancer.
Megestrol Side effects
Cardiovascular: hypertension, myopathy, chest pain, edema, palpitations, peripheral edema, heart failure
Central nervous system: headache, pain, insomnia, irrational thoughts, confusion, epilepsy, depression, hypostasis (neuropathy), neuropathy, limb drowsiness, carpal tunnel syndrome, lethargy, lethargy, mood swings
Skin: skin rash, hair loss, skin diseases, increased sweating, itching, dermatitis and vesiculobulosis
Endocrinology and metabolism: hyperglycemia, decreased libido, urinary albumin production, gynecomastia, increased lactate dehydrogenase, cortical insufficiency of the adrenal gland, amenorrhea, Cushing’s syndrome, diabetes mellitus, hot flashes, hypothalamic-hypothalamic suppression, hypothalamic Blood calcium, weight gain (unrelated to edema or water retention)
Gastrointestinal: diarrhea, bloating, vomiting, nausea, indigestion, abdominal pain, constipation, oral moniliasis, involuntary salivation (salivation), dry mouth
Genitourinary: Weakness, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infection, frequent urination, intermenstrual bleeding
Hematology and oncology: leukopenia, sarcoma, tumor recurrence
Liver: Enlargement of the liver
Infection: Candidiasis, viral herpes infection, infection
Nervous, musculoskeletal: weakness
Eye: Eye laziness
Respiratory: cough, shortness of breath, pharyngitis, pulmonary disorders, pneumonia, hyperventilation (rapid and rapid breathing)
Miscellaneous: Fever
Megestrol Drug Interactions
Exacerbation of hyperglycemia
Progesterone agonists
Category X Interactions (Avoidance)
Doftilide, indium 111 caprombe pendentide, oolipristal
Reducing the effects of drugs by Majstrol
Anticoagulants, Antidiabetic drugs, Choline 11C, Indium 111 Capromb Pendant, Julipristal
Increase the effects of drugs by Majstrol:
C1 inhibitors, diphthilide, pomalidomide
Increased effects of magestrol by drugs:
Plants (with progesterone)
Food interference:
has not been stated.
Megestrol Warnings
- Pregnancy testing is required before starting treatment.
- Monitor creatinine and BUN levels in the elderly.
- The patient should be monitored for signs of thromboembolic events (such as chest pain, jaw pain, bloody cough, numbness or unilateral weakness, difficulty speaking, balance changes, vision changes, shortness of breath, swelling or pain in the arm or leg) and Remind the patient to report these symptoms immediately.
- Monitor the patient’s blood pressure, glucose levels, and weight, and remind the patient to evaluate his or her weight regularly.
Megestrol Medication Recommendations
If pregnancy is suspected, the drug should be discontinued and a physician should be consulted.
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