160 mg tablets
megestrol acetate
What Megace is and what it is used for
Megace is a hormonal drug that inhibits the growth of certain types of cancer cells.
Megace is used to treat advanced breast cancer.
What you need to know before taking Megace
Do not take Megace:
- if you are allergic to megestrol acetate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
Warnings and cautions
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse before taking Megace:
- if you have a history of blood clots
- if you have liver disease
- if you do not tolerate certain sugars
- if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Children and young people
Safety and efficacy in children have not been established.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
There is a risk that the fetus is affected. Children who are breastfed may be affected. Therefore, do not use Megace while breastfeeding other than on a doctor’s prescription.
Driving and using machines
Megace has not been shown to affect its ability to drive or use machines.
You are responsible for assessing whether you are fit to drive a motor vehicle or perform work that requires sharpened attention. One of the factors that can affect your ability in these respects is the use of drugs due to their effects and/or side effects. Descriptions of these effects and side effects can be found in other sections. Read all the information in this leaflet for guidance. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Megace contains lactose
If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking Megace.
How to take Megace
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
Dose one is determined by the doctor, who adjusts it individually for you. The recommended dose is 1 tablet daily.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
The following may be signs of serious side effects:
The following symptoms may be signs of a blood clot:
- sudden swelling or pain in arms or legs
- sudden visual disturbances
- new onset or frequent severe headache
- hold in the chest or difficulty breathing
Contact your doctor immediately and stop the treatment if you notice any of the above.
Common (affects more than 1 user in 100)
- Indigestion
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- Skin, hair, eyes, general
- weight gain
- fluid swelling
- disorders of the menstrual pattern
- pain
- abnormal mental fatigue, feeling dormant ( lethargy )
- impotence
Uncommon (affects less than 1 user in 100)
- Heart and lungs
- heart failure
- high blood pressure
- hot flashes
- respiratory distress
- Indigestion
- constipation
- Skin, hair, eyes, general
- rash
- hair loss
- diabetes
- frequent urination
- mood swings
- temporary worsening of the disease at the beginning of treatment
- Tests can show
- elevated blood sugar
- elevated levels of cortisone in the body, can cause facial swelling, obesity on the torso, brittle skin, etc.
- insufficient adrenal cortex function (lack of production of certain hormones )
Rare (affects less than 1 user in 1,000)
- Heart and lungs
- blood clot (sometimes with inflammation of the blood vessel)
- blood clot in the lung (which in some cases has been fatal)
- Skin, hair, eyes, general
- increased hair growth on the body
- tremors
- nerve impact in the hand, can manifest itself as numbness, pain, etc.
Other reported side effects (no known frequency) include flatulence, weakness, and pain.
How to store Megace
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton after EXP. The expiration date is the last day of the specified month.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
Contents of the pack and other information
Content declaration
- The active substance is megestrol acetate, 160 mg per tablet
- The other ingredients are lactose monohydrate 224.5 mg per tablet, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, povidone, colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate. (See section 2 “Megace contains lactose”.)
What the medicine looks like and contents of the pack
28 pcs (print packaging)
56 pcs (print packaging)
112 pcs (print packaging)
30 pcs (glass jar)
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorization Holder and Manufacturer
Marketing Authorisation Holder
BAUSCH HEALTH IRELAND LIMITED
3013 Lake Drive
Citywest Business Campus
Dublin 24 – D24PPT3 – Ireland
Manufacturer
Haupt Pharma Amareg GmbH
Donaustaufer Strasse 378
93055 Regensburg,
Germany
Local representative
Bausch & Lomb Nordic AB
Söder Mälarstrand 45
118 25 Stockholm