Introduction
Mezest 40 is used to treat breast cancer and endometrial cancer. It specifically helps treat breast and endometrial cancer that are hormone dependent. It may also be used for treating low appetite and weight loss in patients with advanced cancer or HIV.
Mezest 40 should be taken with or without food, preferably at a fixed time each day to ensure consistent levels of medicine in the body. This medicine is not used for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It may cause side effects like high blood pressure and increased blood sugar levels but they are temporary. However, if these persists, consult with the doctor.
Uses of Mezest 40
- Breast cancer
- Endometrial cancer
Side effects of Mezest 40
Common
- Increased appetite
- Weight gain
- Hot flashes
- High blood pressure
- Constipation
- Increased glucose level in blood
How to use Mezest 40
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Mezest 40 may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Mezest 40 works
Mezest 40 is a progestin (female hormone). It works in patients with breast cancer and endometrial cancer by affecting female hormones involved in cancer growth. It causes weight gain by increasing appetite.
Indication
Contraception, Breast carcinoma, Endometrial carcinoma, Anorexia and Cachexia
Administration
Should be taken with food.
Adult Dose
Oral
Palliative treatment of breast carcinoma
Adult: 40 mg 4 times daily or 160 mg once daily.
Palliative treatment of endometrial carcinoma
Adult: 40-320 mg daily in divided doses. evaluate efficacy after 2 months of treatment; up to 800 mg/day may be used
Anorexia and cachexia in patients with cancer or AIDS
Adult: Initial: 800 mg daily. Usual range: 400-800 mg daily.
Renal Dose
Renal impairment: Use with caution; in normal renal function, 57-78% is excreted in urine within 10 days
Contraindication
Pregnancy and lactation. Severe hepatic impairment.
Mode of Action
Megestrol is a progestogen used as an antineplastic and appetite stimulant. The mechanism of it's antineoplastic effects is not known but may be due to inhibition of oestrogen synthesis, modulation of other steroid hormones and/or a direct cytotoxic effect on tumour cells.
Precaution
History of thrombophlebitis, mild to moderate hepatic impairment, risk of fluid retention, history of depression, diabetes, hypertension, renal or cardiac dysfunction.
Lactation: Not safe; do not nurse
Side Effect
Common
Hypertension,Insomnia, mood swings
Rash, sweating,Amenorrhea, breakthrough bleeding, change in menstrual flow, hot sweats, impotence, spotting
Diarrhea, flatulence, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, weight gain
Serious
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT),Pulmonary embolism,Thrombophlebitis,Anemia,Adrenal insufficiency
Interaction
Concentrations of indinavir may be reduced. Possible reduced efficacy of cisplatin. Warfarin half life may be increased. Megestrol concentration may be decreased by aminoglutethimide and enzyme-inducing drugs.