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Megapharm 160mg Tablet
Last updated on 30 Aug 2026 | 11:11 AM (IST)
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Introduction
Megapharm 160mg Tablet contains the active substance Megestrol. It belongs to a category of medications called progestogens and is used to treat certain hormone-dependent cancers, namely breast cancer. It is a synthetic form of the naturally occurring progesterone hormone. It is also indicated to treat unexplained weight loss, cachexia (weakness) and anorexia (loss of appetite) in patients with weak immune systems and cancer.
Progestogens are used in patients whose disease has progressed with conventional anti-estrogen therapy. Your physician will assess the estrogen status (ER) to ensure that your breast cancer is due to the expression of the estrogen receptor.
Uses of Megapharm 160mg Tablet
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Treatment of hormone-dependent cancer (endometrial cancer, breast cancer)
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Treatment of anorexia, cachexia or unexplained weight loss
How it Megapharm 160mg Tablet Works
Megapharm 160mg Tablet exhibits anticancer properties by interacting with steroidal receptors. It suppresses steroid production by the adrenal glands and androgen secretion by the ovaries in postmenopausal women. It also prevents the breakdown of cytokines and stimulates appetite in chronic disease-induced anorexia and cachexia.
Interaction of Megapharm 160mg Tablet with other drugs
Inform your doctor about any prescribed medicines, over-the-counter medications, nutritional and vitamin supplements and herbal products you are taking or have taken before the treatment. Certain medications may interact with the efficacy of Megapharm Tablet.
Storage Conditions
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Store below 25°C, protected from light and moisture.
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Keep out of reach of children
How to Take Megapharm 160mg Tablet
Swallow the tablet whole with water. Your physician will decide the ideal dose for you, depending on your condition.
Safety Advices
Pregnancy
This medicine is unsafe to consume during pregnancy. Inform your physician before starting this treatment if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
Breast Feeding
Consult your physician before taking this tablet if you are a breastfeeding mother.
Lungs
Inform your physician if you have any lung diseases before taking Megapharm 160mg Tablet.
Liver
Inform your physician before starting this treatment if you have liver problems. Your physician will monitor your liver functions regularly.
Alcohol
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Megapharm 160mg Tablet. Please consult your doctor.
Driving
Avoid driving or using machinery if you experience side effects.
Side Effects
Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.
Serious:
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Swelling of the face, lips, tongue
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Skin rash
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Breathing difficulty
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Blood clot in the lungs
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Heart problems
Common:
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Weight gain and increased appetite
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Hot flushes
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High BP
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High blood sugar levels
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Rounded face
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Constipation
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Swelling of vein
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Mood changes
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Hair loss
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Diarrhea
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Tiredness and weakness
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Impotence
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Passing wind
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Frequent urination
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Nausea, vomiting
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Fluid accumulation
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Pain
Expert Tips
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Inform your doctor if you have a history of kidney problems, liver issues, or allergies before starting this medication.
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Your kidney function, liver function, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels should be regularly monitored during treatment.
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Avoid using this medicine during pregnancy or while planning for pregnancy, as it may harm the developing baby.
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Do not stop taking this medication without your doctor’s advice, as sudden discontinuation may worsen your condition.
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Seek medical help immediately if you notice swelling or pain in the limbs, chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, or vision changes.
FAQs
Q1.
Does Megapharm 160mg Tablet cause weight gain?
Yes, it is a common side effect which is caused due to an increase in appetite. It leads to an increase in fat and body mass. If there is excessive weight gain patients are advised to consult the doctor.
Q2.
Is Megapharm 160mg Tablet safe to use during pregnancy?
No, it is unsafe to use this medication in pregnancy because it causes harmful effects in the developing baby. Patients are asked to avoid this medication if they are planning for pregnancy or during pregnancy.
Q3.
Does Megapharm 160mg Tablet stop periods?
No, it doesn't stop periods and it can cause excessive bleeding. consult the doctor if there is any excessive bleeding.
Q4.
What are the side effects of the Megapharm 160mg Tablet?
The common side effects of Megapharm 160mg Tablet are weight gain, increase in appetite, high blood pressure, constipation, rounded face, mood changes, hair loss, tiredness and weakness, nausea, vomiting, swelling of the vein.
Q5.
Best way to take Megapharm 160mg Tablet?
Megapharm 160mg Tablet should be taken as prescribed by the doctor and it can be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time daily. It is important to take this medicine even when the patient is feeling well and don't stop this medication without the proper advice of the doctor as it will worsen the condition.
Q6.
Can I drive after taking the Megapharm 160mg Tablet?
It is unsafe to use this medication while driving as it causes dizziness and patients may lack concentration and alertness.
Fact Box
|
Molecule name: Megestrol |
Therapeutic class: Progestins |
|
Pharmacological class: Anti-neoplastics |
Indications: 1. Treatment of hormone-dependent cancer (endometrial cancer, breast cancer) 2. Treatment of anorexia, cachexia or unexplained weight loss |
References
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Bausch and Lomb UK Ltd., Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Sep 2020] [Accessed on 17th Jul 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.11135.pdf
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alniche Life Sciences Pvt Ltd., [Revised on 2021] [Accessed on 19th Jul 2021], https://www.alniche.com/product/megahenz/
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Bines et al., Activity of megestrol acetate in postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer after nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor failure: a phase II trial, Annals of Oncology, 2014, 25(4), 831-836, https://www.annalsofoncology.org/action/showPdf?pii=S0923-7534%2819%2936501-9
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G.G. Dark, A.R. Abdul Razak, Oncology, Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 259-282.
Disclaimer
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Author Details

Written By
P. Thirumal Reddy
B. Pharm

Reviewed By
Dr. Tejashwin Adiga
MBBS
Last updated : 30 Aug 2026 | 11:11 AM (IST)

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