endace (MEGESTROL)

What is Endace?

Endace is a synthetic progestin hormone primarily used to treat certain cancers (like breast or endometrial cancer) and to stimulate appetite in patients experiencing significant weight loss due to conditions like cancer, HIV/AIDS, or other chronic illnesses.

What is the usual dose of Endace?

The usual dose depends on the condition:

• Cancer treatment: 40–320 mg daily, divided into several doses.
• Appetite stimulation: 400–800 mg daily, typically as an oral suspension.

How do I take Endace?

Take Endace exactly as prescribed. It is usually taken as a tablet or oral suspension, with or without food. Shake the suspension well before use and use the provided measuring device for accuracy.

For how long do I take Endace?

The duration of treatment depends on the condition being treated. Follow your doctor’s guidance closely, as long-term use may carry risks.

What is Endace used for?

Endace is used for:

• Hormonal therapy for breast or endometrial cancer
• Stimulating appetite and promoting weight gain in patients with significant unintentional weight loss (cachexia)

How long does it take for Endace to start working?

Appetite stimulation may take 1–2 weeks, while cancer treatment effects may take longer, depending on the individual and disease progression.

Is Endace effective?

A medicine called Endace acetate helped people with AIDS who had lost a lot of weight and had no appetite. Studies showed that those taking the medicine gained weight, while those taking a sugar pill (placebo) lost weight or stayed the same. For instance, one group gained about 11 pounds, while the placebo group lost about 2 pounds. The medicine also seemed to improve appetite.

How does one know if Endace is working?

Two studies tested a medicine called Endace acetate on people with AIDS who had trouble eating and were losing weight. The medicine helped people gain weight. In both studies, those taking 800mg of the medicine gained significantly more weight than those taking a sugar pill (placebo). The medicine also improved appetite more than the placebo.

How does Endace work?

Endace acetate is a medicine that works in a few ways to fight cancer. It might lower the body's estrogen levels and directly kill cancer cells. It also affects how other hormones work. Most of the medicine leaves the body through urine within 10 days, with a smaller amount leaving through stool. Only a tiny bit breaks down into other substances.

Who should avoid taking Endace?

This medicine, Endace acetate, has some serious potential problems. It can increase your risk of blood clots, make diabetes worse, and cause problems with your adrenal glands (which control hormones). It's very dangerous to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding mothers must stop nursing. Many people gain weight while taking it. Your doctor will need to watch you closely for any side effects.

Can I take Endace with vitamins or supplements?

Generally, vitamins and supplements are safe, but avoid any that might interact with Endace (e.g., herbal products that affect hormone levels). Consult your doctor before use.

Can I take Endace with other prescription drugs?

Imagine you have two medicines, one called Indinavir and another called Endace acetate. When you take them together, Endace acetate makes your body get rid of Indinavir faster. This means less Indinavir is actually working in your body. To fix this, you need to take a larger dose of Indinavir so you still have enough to be effective. However, if you're also taking other medications like zidovudine or rifabutin, you don't need to change their doses.

Can Endace be taken safely while pregnant?

Endace acetate is a medicine that shouldn't be taken during pregnancy. Tests on animals showed it can harm a developing baby, causing low birth weight, fewer babies surviving birth, and changes in male babies' bodies. While there's no proof this happens in humans, the animal studies are worrying enough that doctors recommend avoiding it during pregnancy. Women should have a pregnancy test before taking it and use birth control while on the medicine.

Can Endace be taken safely while breastfeeding?

Women taking a medicine called Endace acetate shouldn't breastfeed. This is because there's a chance the medicine could cause HIV to be passed to the baby through breast milk. Also, we don't know how this medicine affects babies who are breastfed or how it changes a mother's milk supply.

Is Endace safe for the elderly?

For older adults, start Endace acetate at the lowest possible dose. This is because older people often have weaker livers, kidneys, or hearts, or may be taking other medications. Since the medicine leaves the body through the kidneys, problems with kidney function increase the risk of side effects. Doctors should watch kidney function closely. We don't know if this medicine works differently in older versus younger people.

How should I store Endace?

Store Endace at room temperature (68°F–77°F or 20°C–25°C) away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep it out of reach of children.

Does Endace make people tired or drowsy?

Fatigue or drowsiness is not common but may occur in some individuals.

Does Endace cause stomach upset?

Yes, nausea or mild stomach discomfort may occur as a side effect.

Does Endace affect sleep?

Endace can sometimes cause trouble sleeping (insomnia). Studies show this happens in a small percentage of people who take it. If you have trouble sleeping after starting this medicine, tell your doctor.

Does Endace make it hard to think or concentrate?

Cognitive effects like confusion are rare but possible, especially in elderly patients.

Does Endace affect mood?

Yes, mood swings or mild depressive symptoms can occur as side effects.

Does Endace interfere with sexual function?

Endace may reduce libido or cause changes in hormonal levels that affect sexual function.

Does Endace affect appetite?

Yes, Endace is specifically used to stimulate appetite, leading to weight gain.

Does Endace cause weight gain?

Endace can make you gain weight because it makes you hungrier. This weight gain is usually from eating more, not from holding onto extra water. If you notice you're gaining weight while taking this medicine, tell your doctor.

Does Endace cause headaches?

Some people taking the medicine Endace get headaches. In one study, between 1% and 10% of people experienced them. If you get a headache while taking this medicine, tell your doctor.

Does Endace limit driving?

Endace does not typically impair driving. However, if you experience dizziness or fatigue, avoid driving.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Endace?

Alcohol should be consumed with caution, as it may exacerbate side effects like nausea or dizziness. Discuss with your doctor.

Is it safe to drink coffee or tea while taking Endace?

Yes, coffee or tea is safe, but be mindful of caffeine’s potential to cause mild dehydration, which could worsen some side effects like swelling.

Is it safe to exercise while taking Endace?

Yes, light to moderate exercise is generally safe, but avoid overexertion if you experience fatigue or fluid retention.

What are Endace possible harms and risks?

Endace acetate can make you gain weight because it increases your appetite. It can also cause serious blood clot problems in some people, and problems with blood sugar. Less common side effects include diarrhea, impotence, rash, gas, weakness, trouble sleeping, nausea, anemia, fever, and changes in sex drive. How often these side effects happen varies.