Megol 160mg Tablet 10s (MEGESTROL)

What is Megol tablet?

Megol tablet 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 Megol tablet?

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 Megol tablet?

Take Megol tablet 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 Megol tablet?

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 Megol tablet used for?

Megol tablet 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 Megol tablet 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 Megol tablet effective?

A medicine called Megol tablet 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 Megol tablet is working?

Two studies tested a medicine called Megol tablet 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 Megol tablet work?

Megol tablet 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 Megol tablet?

This medicine, Megol tablet 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 Megol tablet with vitamins or supplements?

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

Can I take Megol tablet with other prescription drugs?

Imagine you have two medicines, one called Indinavir and another called Megol tablet acetate. When you take them together, Megol tablet 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 Megol tablet be taken safely while pregnant?

Megol tablet 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 Megol tablet be taken safely while breastfeeding?

Women taking a medicine called Megol tablet 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 Megol tablet safe for the elderly?

For older adults, start Megol tablet 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 Megol tablet?

Store Megol tablet 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 Megol tablet make people tired or drowsy?

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

Does Megol tablet cause stomach upset?

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

Does Megol tablet affect sleep?

Megol tablet 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 Megol tablet make it hard to think or concentrate?

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

Does Megol tablet affect mood?

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

Does Megol tablet interfere with sexual function?

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

Does Megol tablet affect appetite?

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

Does Megol tablet cause weight gain?

Megol tablet 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 Megol tablet cause headaches?

Some people taking the medicine Megol tablet 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 Megol tablet limit driving?

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

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Megol tablet?

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 Megol tablet?

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 Megol tablet?

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

What are Megol tablet possible harms and risks?

Megol tablet 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.