megestrol acetate at a glance
Medicine class
Progestogen hormonal anticancer treatment
Licensed role
Certain hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast cancer
Administration
Swallow the tablet with water; its score is for easier swallowing, not equal division
What is megestrol acetate used for?
The selected UK tablet is licensed for certain hormone-dependent cancers. Other uses require an individual specialist decision.
Licensed: treatment of certain hormone-dependent tumours, including breast cancer.
Appetite stimulation in cancer-related anorexia or cachexia has been studied and is used in some settings, but overall benefit is uncertain and this is not the selected tablet's licensed indication.
How does megestrol acetate work?
Megestrol acetate acts like progesterone and has anti-oestrogenic and antigonadotropic effects, which can reduce stimulation of some hormone-dependent cancer cells. Its glucocorticoid activity helps explain effects on appetite, blood glucose and adrenal function.
megestrol acetate preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 160 mg
How to take megestrol acetate
Take it exactly as prescribed by the specialist. Swallow the tablet with water. The score can help with swallowing but does not produce equal portions; do not stop treatment without specialist advice.
Tell the prescriber if swallowing tablets is difficult.
The selected tablet contains lactose.
megestrol acetate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or wind
- Hot flushes
- Raised blood pressure or blood glucose
- Fluid-related ankle swelling
- Tiredness, weakness or mood changes
- Cushingoid changes such as a rounded face
- Hair loss, rash or altered vaginal bleeding
Get urgent medical advice
- Blood clots, including thrombophlebitis and pulmonary embolism
- Heart attack or heart failure
- Severe allergic reaction
- Adrenal suppression or adrenal insufficiency, including after withdrawal
- Tumour flare, sometimes with raised calcium
megestrol acetate in pregnancy
Megestrol acetate is not recommended during pregnancy. People who could become pregnant should avoid pregnancy during treatment. If pregnancy occurs or exposure has happened, contact the specialist promptly because progestogen exposure may pose fetal risks.
megestrol acetate while breastfeeding
The UK product information advises against breastfeeding during treatment because adverse effects in the infant are possible. Discuss an alternative feeding or treatment plan with the specialist before treatment begins or breastfeeding resumes.
megestrol acetate interactions
No formal interaction studies are reported for the selected UK product. A complete medication review remains important.
Common questions about megestrol acetate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What type of treatment is megestrol acetate?
It is a synthetic progestogen used as hormonal anticancer treatment for selected hormone-dependent tumours.
Can megestrol acetate cause blood clots?
Yes. Thrombophlebitis and pulmonary embolism are recognised adverse effects, so new leg swelling, sudden breathlessness or chest pain needs urgent assessment.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.