Cancer and other illnesses can cause severe loss of appetite, which can lead to malnutrition at a time when the body needs nutrients and calories. One of the side effects of Megace is increased appetite, which has proven beneficial in patients with nutritional problems. If you have significant loss of appetite or weight loss, talk with your doctor about whether Megace is appropriate for you.
Understanding Megace
Megace, the brand name for the drug megestrol acetate, is an anticancer drug that is typically used for patients who have advanced breast cancer or endometrial cancer. According to Chemocare.com, this drug is a progestin, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone, and interferes with estrogen secretion. It is not used as a curative treatment, but rather a palliative one, and should not be used in place of treatments like surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. One of the side effects of Megace is weight gain, which can be beneficial in some patients who have lost a considerable amount of weight during cancer treatment.
Megace, Appetite and Cancer
Cachexia is a syndrome in cancer patients that is usually associated with loss of appetite, and includes muscle wasting, significant weight loss and loss of fat tissue. A study published in the December 2010 issue of "Clinical Nutrition" found that Megace helped increase appetite, stop weight loss and reversed the muscle wasting process in rats with tumors. The drug may help humans with cancer cachexia as well. Chemocare.com explains that the exact mechanism of how Megace causes weight gain is unknown, but it has been effective in helping cancer patients gain weight and increase body fat.
Megace, Appetite and Other Illnesses
While generally used with cancer patients, Megace may help individuals with significant weight loss from other illnesses as well. A study published in the November 2010 issue of the "Journal of Renal Nutrition," noted that pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease who took Megace had increases in height and body mass index, as well as significant weight gain. According to Chemocare.com, Megace has also helped patients with AIDS regain their appetites, increase body fat and improve muscle.
Considerations
Individuals with diabetes may need to adjust their medications if taking Megace, as this drug can increase blood sugar levels. If you are pregnant of breast feeding, talk to your doctor, as this drug may cause birth defects or harm your baby. The drug may also impact future fertility, so consult your doctor if you think you may want children in the future. Before taking Megace, tell your doctor about any other drugs or supplements you may be taking, as Megace may cause adverse interactions.
References
- Drugs.com; Megace; May 2011
- "Journal of Renal Nutrition"; Megestrol Acetate Improves Weight Gain in Pediatric Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease; DJ Hobbs et al; November 2010
- American Cancer Society; Guide to Cancer Drugs; Megestrol; September 2009
- "Clinical Nutrition"; Megestrol Acetate: Its Impact on Muscle Protein Metabolism Supports its Use in Cancer Cachexia; Busquets S, et al.; Dec. 2010
- Chemocare.com; Megace; 2005
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