Description

Megace 160mg: Uses, Benefits, Safety and Important Information

Megace 160mg is a commonly used search term for megestrol acetate, a prescription drug that belongs to the progestin family. Megestrol acetate may be useful in the treatment of loss of appetite and considerable weight loss in some patients. But patients should use this medicine only under proper medical supervision.

What is Megace 160 mg?

Megestrol acetate is a synthetic derivative of the hormone progesterone . Doctors may prescribe megestrol acetate oral suspension to treat anorexia, cachexia, or unexplained, significant weight loss in people with AIDS. The official label also says healthcare professionals should first evaluate and treat any treatable causes of weight loss.

Therefore, Megace 160mg should not be considered a general-purpose weight-gain drug. Megestrol acetate should be used only in an individual patient when a healthcare professional has determined it is appropriate.

How Does Megestrol Acetate Function?

It is not known exactly how megestrol acetate works to increase appetite and cause weight gain. However, it does have progestin activity and may increase appetite in some patients.

Treatment is also focused more on the underlying medical condition than on weight gain per se. Doctors can also consider infections, gastrointestinal problems, endocrine disorders, kidney disease, malignancy, or other possible causes of weight loss.

Key information on dosage

Dose: Depends on the particular formulation prescribed. For instance, the current label for megestrol acetate oral suspension indicates that the initial dose for adults is 625 mg/day for the 125 mg/mL strength. The label also warns that the various concentrations are not interchangeable.

Therefore, patients should not try to figure out or change a dose based solely on the number in a product name. Always check the strength of the package and follow the prescription.

Potential Side Effects

Like other prescription medicines, megestrol acetate may cause side effects. Possible problems include weight gain, changes in blood glucose, gastrointestinal upset and hormonal effects.

More significantly, the prescribing information cautions about adrenal insufficiency and other potentially severe effects. If you experience unusual weakness, dizziness, severe nausea or other symptoms of concern, you should contact your healthcare professional.

Who Should Not Use Megestrol Acetate?

Do not use megestrol acetate in patients with a known hypersensitivity to megestrol acetate or any of its components. Known or suspected pregnancy is also a contraindication, as megestrol acetate may cause foetal harm.

Women who are able to become pregnant should also discuss birth control and pregnancy testing with their healthcare professional prior to treatment.

Conclusion

Megace 160mg should be treated as a prescription-drug search term, not a product that people should self-medicate with. Megestrol acetate has specific medical uses and the right formulation, strength and dose matter. So speak to your healthcare professional before you begin, cease or alter treatment.