Megestrol Acetate Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Loss of appetite, weight loss, or hormonal imbalances can impact health and overall quality of life. Megestrol acetate 40 mg, marketed under the brand name MAGRAL 40 by Steris Healthcare, is a prescription medication designed to help patients regain weight, improve appetite, and support hormonal therapy when needed.

Megestrol acetate 40 mg is widely used for its effectiveness in stimulating appetite and supporting treatment plans for certain medical conditions. Patients often rely on megestrol acetate tablets for safe and controlled therapy. In this article, we will explore megestrol acetate, megestrol acetate uses, megestrol acetate side effects, and why MAGRAL 40 from Steris Healthcare is a trusted choice.

What is Megestrol Acetate 40 mg?

Megestrol acetate 40 mg is a prescription medication classified as a progestin, a type of hormone similar to the natural hormone progesterone. It is commonly used to:

• Stimulate appetite in patients with cancer, HIV/AIDS, or other chronic conditions causing weight loss

• Treat hormone-responsive cancers such as breast cancer and endometrial cancer

• Support nutritional health in patients suffering from anorexia, cachexia, or severe malnutrition

MAGRAL 40, by Steris Healthcare, delivers the therapeutic strength of megestrol acetate in a safe, effective, and easy-to-administer tablet form.

Megestrol Acetate Uses

The uses of megestrol acetate are both broad and life-enhancing. Here’s how this powerful medication helps patients in various clinical settings:

1. Appetite Stimulation

One of the most important megestrol acetate uses is to increase appetite in individuals who are losing weight unintentionally due to chronic illness, cancer treatment, or HIV/AIDS. By acting on the hypothalamus, it stimulates hunger signals and promotes weight gain, which can significantly improve energy levels, treatment response, and quality of life.

2. Cancer-Related Cachexia

In patients with cachexia (a wasting syndrome seen in late-stage cancer or chronic illness), megestrol acetate 40 mg helps preserve muscle mass and body weight. It is commonly used as a supportive care option in oncology to reduce the impact of nutritional deficits.

3. Hormone-Sensitive Cancers

Megestrol acetate is also prescribed for treating breast cancer and endometrial cancer, especially in patients who may not be candidates for more aggressive chemotherapy. It works by interfering with estrogen receptors, slowing the growth of hormone-dependent tumors.

How Megestrol Acetate Works

Megestrol acetate works in multiple ways depending on the condition being treated:

• Appetite and Weight Gain: It acts on the appetite centers in the brain and also may affect metabolic pathways, leading to increased food intake and fat storage.

• Hormonal Regulation: In hormone-sensitive cancers, it blocks the effects of estrogen, which some tumors need to grow.

• Anti-inflammatory Effects: Megestrol also shows some anti-inflammatory actions, beneficial in chronic diseases.

This multifaceted action makes megestrol acetate tablets a versatile option in both palliative care and oncology support.

Dosage and How to Take MAGRAL 40

• Take MAGRAL 40 exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

• Typically, one or more tablets daily, depending on medical advice.

• Swallow the megestrol acetate tablets whole with water, with or without food.

• Do not alter the dose or stop taking the medication without consulting your physician.

Possible Side Effects

While megestrol acetate 40 mg is generally well-tolerated, some patients may experience:

• Nausea or vomiting

• Headache

• Fluid retention or swelling

• Rarely, blood clots or changes in blood sugar levels

Report any severe or persistent side effects to your healthcare provider immediately.

Precautions and Interactions

• Inform your doctor if you have diabetes, blood clot history, liver disease, or heart problems.

• Avoid combining megestrol acetate tablets with other hormonal medications without professional guidance.

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and children.

Why Choose MAGRAL 40 from Steris Healthcare?

Steris Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. is a trusted pharmaceutical company known for producing high-quality, safe, and effective medications. Choosing MAGRAL 40 means:

• Manufactured in WHO-GMP certified facilities ensuring safety and quality

• Reliable megestrol acetate 40 mg tablets for effective appetite and hormonal support

• Trusted by doctors and patients across India

• Affordable and patient-friendly solution for weight management and supportive therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Megestrol Acetate?
Megestrol acetate is a synthetic progestin used to stimulate appetite, manage weight loss, and support hormonal therapy in specific medical conditions.

2. What are the uses of Megestrol Acetate 40 mg?
It is used to improve appetite, manage weight loss due to chronic illness or cancer, and support patient nutrition and overall health.

3. How should MAGRAL 40 be taken?
Take the prescribed dose of megestrol acetate tablets with water, as advised by your doctor, without altering the regimen.

4. Are there any side effects?
Mild nausea, headache, or fluid retention may occur. Severe side effects like blood clots or hormonal changes require immediate medical attention.

5. Can Megestrol Acetate be combined with other medications?
Consult your doctor before combining it with other drugs, especially hormonal or diabetes medications, to avoid interactions.

Conclusion

Living with a chronic illness, cancer, or significant weight loss can be physically and emotionally exhausting. But with the right support, recovery is possible. Megestrol acetate 40 mg, as found in MAGRAL 40, offers a powerful and safe way to restore appetite, improve weight, and support your treatment journey.

Steris Healthcare ensures that every tablet of MAGRAL 40 meets the highest standards of safety and efficacy—because your health deserves nothing less.

Take the next step toward strength and recovery. Talk to your doctor today about MAGRAL 40.

Choose Steris. Choose Strength. Choose MAGRAL 40.