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Introduction About MESTROLYST 40 TABLET
MESTROLYST 40 TABLET contains Megestrol which belongs to the group of medicines called Progestogens. MESTROLYST 40 TABLET is used for hormone dependent cancer which includes breast and endometrial cancer in affected individuals. MESTROLYST 40 TABLET is also used for reduced appetite and weight-loss in patients passing through an advanced stage of cancer/HIV. MESTROLYST 40 TABLET is not recommended for use in patients allergic to Megestrol.
Before taking MESTROLYST 40 TABLET, inform your doctor if you have diabetes, thrombophlebitis (blood clot due to inflammatory process), intolerance to certain sugars (such as lactose), kidney problems (such as chronic kidney disease), and/or severe liver problems. MESTROLYST 40 TABLET is not recommended for use during pregnancy and in women planning for pregnancy. It is also not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. MESTROLYST 40 TABLET is not generally recommended for use in children and adolescents (aged below 18 years) and is advised to be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years and above) after consulting the doctor.
The most common side effects of taking MESTROLYST 40 TABLET are increase in appetite, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, hot flushes, nausea, vomiting, passing wind, and/or constipation. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects worsens.
Uses Of MESTROLYST 40 TABLET
It is used:
- For hormone dependent cancer which includes breast and endometrial cancer
- For reduced appetite and weight-loss in patients passing through an advanced stage of cancer or HIV
How MESTROLYST 40 TABLET Works
MESTROLYST 40 TABLET works by changing the hormone balance in the body which results in interference of growth in hormone dependent cancer cells which leads to inhibition of growth and spread of cancer cells.
How to use MESTROLYST 40 TABLET
Take MESTROLYST 40 TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.
Side Effects Of MESTROLYST 40 TABLET
Common
- Increase in appetite
- Weight gain
- Shortness of breath
- High blood pressure
- Hot flushes, reddening of the face/neck, round face (moon face)
- Increased blood sugar
- Tiredness, feeling weak, nausea, vomiting, passing wind, constipation, diarrhea
- Swelling of a vein (due to blood clot)
- Changes in mood, numbness, pain, and/or tingling sensation in fingers/thumb
- Hair loss
- Impotence
- Needing to urinate often
- Changes in vaginal bleeding (breakthrough bleeding/spotting)
- Buildup of fluid which causes swelling (especially in ankles)
- Pain, rash, red itchy welts
Stop taking MESTROLYST 40 TABLET and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- Signs of blood clot such as loss of coordination, slurred speech, pain in groin, pain/ numbness in arm/leg, shortness of breath, weakness, headache, and/or fainting
- Signs of allergic reaction such as swelling of face/lips/tongue, skin rash, and/or difficulty in breathing
How To Manage Side Effects

Constipation
Eat fiber rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, cereals and drink enough water. Exercise more regularly. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.

Diarrhea
Drink lot of fluids such as water/fruit juice to keep yourself hydrated. Do not take any medicine on your own for managing diarrhea. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.

Nausea And Vomiting
Stick to simple meals and avoid eating oily or spicy food. Do not perform any strenuous activity immediately after eating. If the symptom does not improve, contact your doctor.

Tiredness
Drink plenty of fluids and eat balanced diet and frequent meals. Do regular minimal exercise and follow regular sleep schedule. If the symptom does not improve, contact your doctor.
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
ContraindicatedMESTROLYST 40 TABLET is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy and in women planning for pregnancy. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.

Breastfeeding
ContraindicatedMESTROLYST 40 TABLET is not generally recommended for use in breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.

Driving and Using Machines
Use with CautionMESTROLYST 40 TABLET is unlikely to affect your ability to drive/operate machines. Consult your doctor before taking MESTROLYST 40 TABLET.

Kidney
Use with CautionMESTROLYST 40 TABLET should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems such as chronic kidney disease. Consult your doctor before taking MESTROLYST 40 TABLET.

Liver
Use with CautionMESTROLYST 40 TABLET should be used with caution in patients with severe liver problems. Consult your doctor before taking MESTROLYST 40 TABLET.

Allergy
ContraindicatedDo not take MESTROLYST 40 TABLET if you are allergic to Megestrol, and/or any other ingredients of this medicine.

Use In Pediatrics
ContraindicatedMESTROLYST 40 TABLET is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (aged below 18 years). Consult your doctor for advice.

Use In Geriatrics
Use with CautionMESTROLYST 40 TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years/above). Consult your doctor before taking MESTROLYST 40 TABLET.
Others
Before taking MESTROLYST 40 TABLET, inform your doctor if you:
- Have diabetes
- Are currently suffer/have a history of thrombophlebitis (blood clot due to inflammatory process)
- Are intolerance to certain sugars such as lactose
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines including prescription, non-prescription, over the counter medicines, vitamins, and/or herbal supplements before taking this medicine.
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of MESTROLYST 40 TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital to manage overdose symptoms.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Megestrol |
Pharmacological Category | : | Progestin |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Hormone-dependent cancers (Breast cancer, Endometrial Cancer),Reduces appetite and weight-loss in patients (in advanced stage of cancer/HIV) |
Dosage Forms | : | Tablet |
More Information
Storage
- Keep MESTROLYST 40 TABLET out of reach of children
- Do not store MESTROLYST 40 TABLET above 25°C
FAQs About MESTROLYST 40 TABLET
Q: What is MESTROLYST 40 TABLET used for?
A: MESTROLYST 40 TABLET is used for hormone dependent cancer which includes breast and endometrial cancer in affected individuals. It is also used for reduced appetite and weight-loss in patients passing through an advanced stage of cancer/HIV.
Q: What are the side effects of MESTROLYST 40 TABLET?
A: The most common side effects of taking MESTROLYST 40 TABLET are increase in appetite, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, hot flushes, nausea, vomiting, passing wind, and/or constipation. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects worsens.
Q: Can MESTROLYST 40 TABLET be used in pregnant and breastfeeding women?
A: No, MESTROLYST 40 TABLET is not recommended for use during pregnancy and in women planning for pregnancy. It is also not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
Q: How MESTROLYST 40 TABLET works?
A: MESTROLYST 40 TABLET works by changing the hormone balance in the body which results in interference of growth in hormone dependent cancer cells which leads to inhibition of growth and spread of cancer cells.
Q: What happens if MESTROLYST 40 TABLET is taken more than its required dosage?
A: If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of MESTROLYST 40 TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital to manage overdose symptoms.
References
1. KD Tripathi. Estrogens, Progestins and Contraceptives. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh Edition. 2013. Page-316.
2. Lori D Wazny, Stewart Nadurak, Cali Orsulak, Lori Giles-Smith, Navdeep Tangri. The Efficacy and Safety of Megestrol Acetate in Protein-Energy Wasting due to chronic kidney disease: A Systematic Review. NIH National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubMed.gov. May 2016. [Accessed on 3rd December 2022] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26776251
3. Haupt Pharma Amareg GmbH. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in September 2022] [Accessed on November 6th, 2023] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.11135.pdf
4. MediArt Life Sciences Pvt. Megacet-40. [Accessed on November 6th, 2023] https://www.mediartlifesciences.com/megacet-40/
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Blood tests
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan