Megestrol Kabi

Megestrol acetate, the active ingredient in Megestrol Kabi, is a progestin presented as a oral formulation for oral use. It is employed to treat cachexia associated with AIDS or cancer, anorexia and weight loss, and hormone‑responsive breast or endometrial cancer.

GNH USA supplies Megestrol Kabi as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, oncology centres, pharmacies and clinics worldwide.

Megestrol Kabi is a synthetic progestogen used in conditions where appetite stimulation or hormone‑responsive tumor control is required. - Cachexia associated with AIDS or cancer: helps increase body weight and improve nutritional status. - Anorexia and weight loss: stimulates appetite to promote weight gain. - Hormone‑responsive breast cancer: provides antigonadotropic effect to inhibit tumor growth. - Endometrial cancer: used as part of hormone therapy to control disease progression.

Megestrol acetate may cause a range of adverse reactions, from mild to serious.

Common Side Effects: - Weight gain: increase in body mass, often desired but may be excessive. - Edema: fluid retention leading to swelling of extremities. - Nausea or vomiting: gastrointestinal discomfort. - Hyperglycemia: elevated blood sugar levels, especially in diabetic patients. - Hypertension: rise in blood pressure. - Mood changes: irritability or depression.

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Thromboembolic events: deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. - Adrenal suppression: reduced endogenous cortisol production. - Severe infection: increased susceptibility due to immunomodulation. - Liver dysfunction: abnormal liver enzymes or hepatitis. - Pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas.

When prescribing Megestrol Kabi, clinicians should consider several safety measures. - Monitor blood glucose: watch for hyperglycemia, especially in diabetic patients. - Monitor blood pressure: assess for hypertension during therapy. - Assess thromboembolic risk: evaluate history of clotting disorders before initiation. - Evaluate adrenal function: consider cortisol testing if long‑term use is planned. - Use caution in pregnancy: potential fetal risk, avoid unless clearly needed. - Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Megestrol acetate can interact with other medicines, altering efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid): - Warfarin: increased anticoagulant effect may raise bleeding risk. - Insulin or sulfonylureas: enhanced hypoglycemic action can cause severe low blood sugar. - Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole): may raise megesterol levels, increasing toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - Oral contraceptives: reduced contraceptive effectiveness. - Other progestins: additive hormonal effects may increase side‑effect burden. - Digoxin: potential alteration of serum concentrations.