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Megestrol acetate is a synthetic hormone used in the treatment of breast cancer and endometrial cancer. In addition, it is also used to prevent unwanted pregnancy.1. Effects of Megestrol acetate
Megestrol acetate is a synthetic progestin, a female sex hormone. The drug is prepared in many different forms as follows:
Tablets content 20 mg, 40 mg; Megestrol acetate suspension pack 200mg/5ml, 625mg/5ml, 40mg/ml; Bottles of 10 ml, 20 ml, 240 ml, 480 ml. Megestrol acetate is effective against breast cancer, endometrial cancer. It is found that the hormone Estrogen stimulates cell division to develop estrogen-responsive tissues such as breast, endometrium and cervix, thereby increasing the risk of cancer. The hormone Progestin has anti-gonadotropin and estrogenic effects; downregulates the number of estrogen receptors in estrogen-responsive tissues including breast tissue and uterine lining. Thus, the anti-cancer effect of Megestrol acetate is to change and reduce the effect of Estrogen. Therefore, Megestrol acetate inhibits the growth of estrogen-dependent cancers such as breast cancer, endometrial cancer and cervical cancer.
Not only that, it is also used as a form of birth control pill. It also helps to reduce fatigue in patients with acquired immunodeficiency.
2. Indications and contraindications of the drug Megestrol acetate
Megestrol acetate is indicated for use in the following cases:
Temporary treatment in advanced breast or endometrial cancer (recurring, inoperable or metastatic cancer). flat ). Treatment of breast cancer or endometrial cancer in combination with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy... Treatment of signs of anorexia, wasting or unexplained weight loss in patients diagnosed diagnosed with immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Symptomatic treatment of hot flashes in women with breast cancer and in men after orchiectomy, following antiandrogen therapy in patients with prostate cancer. Used alone or in combination with the hormone estrogen in the control of ovulation for the purpose of contraception. The drug is contraindicated in the following cases:
Hypersensitivity to Megestrol acetate. Pregnancy: Megestrol acetate should not be used during pregnancy because it can cause genital abnormalities in the fetus. The risk of low urinary tract defects in male fetuses can be doubled when the mother uses progesterone drugs. The patient is suffering from a blood clot. Do not take this medicine concurrently with Dofetilid. It's not suitable for children. Use with caution in the following subjects:
People with a history of thromboembolic disease; People with diabetes; Lactation period; Use with caution in the elderly.
3. Dosage and how to use Megestrol acetate drug
How to use: The drug is taken orally, if the tablet is taken with water, but do not chew or crush the drug. The suspension can be taken directly or taken with water.
Dosage:
Breast cancer: Dosage and 160mg/day, used once or divided equally into 4 times/day. Endometrial cancer: Dosage from 40 to 320 mg/day, divided equally into 2 to 4 times. Continuous drug treatment for at least 2 months is required to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Megestrol acetate. The maximum dose to receive a response may be up to 800 mg/day. Anorexia, emaciation or weight loss in people with AIDS: Initial dose 800 mg/day, administered once or divided into 2 times. Lower maintenance doses of 100-400 mg/day have been used and are effective. A concentrated oral suspension containing 625 mg/5 ml of Megestrol acetate can be used to treat this problem with an initial dose of 625 mg/day.
4. Possible side effects when taking Megestrol acetate
Common side effects when taking this drug include:
The main side effect that is very common in patients taking Megestrol acetate, especially at high doses, is weight gain. Cancer patients who have just started treatment with Megestrol may have a sudden increase in tumor size that causes pain, rash, possibly low-grade fever, hypercalcemia, and other indicators. tumor point. Adrenal insufficiency, Cushing's syndrome. This is usually caused by long-term drug use. Increased blood sugar, increased appetite. Thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism, hypertension, causing hot flashes. Digestive disorders such as: Constipation, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence. Skin rash, hair loss, abnormal vaginal bleeding. Erectile dysfunction and can cause gynecomastia in men. Uncommon side effects:
Shortness of breath when taking the drug. More rarely:
Causes carpal tunnel syndrome, venous obstruction due to thrombosis.
5. Precautions when using Megestrol acetate
It is necessary to adhere to the medication according to the doctor's instructions, do not stop or change the prescribed dose without consulting the doctor. During treatment, it is necessary to periodically re-examine to monitor the response to the drug. If any side effects occur, you should contact your treating doctor for appropriate treatment. With prolonged use, it can cause glucocorticoid-like effects, so it is necessary to check the adrenal function. Long-term use also increases the risk of respiratory infections. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to prevent the risk of respiratory infections. Megestrol acetate is effective against breast, endometrial and cervical cancer. Megestrol acetate is used only under the prescription of a doctor. Therefore, you should not arbitrarily use the drug without being prescribed.
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