Product introduction
Megarex 160 Tablet is a medicine used for the treatment of anorexia, cachexia, or significant, unexplained weight loss in patients with advanced cancer or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It helps improve appetite and promote weight gain.
Megarex 160 Tablet may be taken with or without food. Take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will decide how much you need to take and for how long. Take it regularly and at the same time each day. Do not stop taking it suddenly without your doctor’s advice.
Common side effects of Megarex 160 Tablet include diarrhea, rash, nausea, vomiting, headache, weakness (asthenia), and high blood pressure. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, stop the medicine and inform your doctor promptly. Managing side effects may involve dose adjustments, monitoring blood sugar closely, and supportive treatment as advised by your doctor.
Megarex 160 Tablet should not be used in patients who are allergic to megestrol acetate or any component in the product. It is contraindicated in known or suspected pregnancy because it may cause harm to the unborn baby. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during treatment. Nursing mothers should discontinue breastfeeding if treatment is required. Elderly patients and those with kidney problems may require careful dose selection and monitoring.
Long-term use may affect the body’s adrenal gland function and can lead to adrenal insufficiency, especially during stress such as surgery or serious illness. It may also worsen existing diabetes or cause new-onset diabetes. Caution is advised in patients with a history of blood clots, as thromboembolic events such as thrombophlebitis or pulmonary embolism have been reported.
Uses of Megarex Tablet
- Treatment of Anorexia
- Treatment of Cachexia
- Treatment of significant unexplained Weight loss
Benefits of Megarex Tablet
In Treatment of Anorexia
Anorexia refers to a loss of appetite or reduced desire to eat. In patients with cancer or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) who experience loss of appetite, Megarex 160 Tablet helps stimulate appetite, making it easier to consume regular meals and maintain adequate calorie intake. An improved appetite can support better nutritional intake, help reduce weakness, and aid in maintaining body weight during illness.
In Treatment of Cachexia
Cachexia is a condition marked by significant weight loss, muscle wasting, and weakness due to chronic illness. In cancer- or AIDS-related cachexia, Megarex 160 Tablet helps promote weight gain by improving appetite and increasing food intake. Supporting weight stabilization or gain helps improve strength, physical function, and overall nutritional status in patients experiencing disease-related wasting.
In Treatment of significant unexplained Weight loss
In patients with cancer or AIDS who experience significant, unexplained weight loss, Megarex 160 Tablet supports increased calorie intake and gradual weight gain. Weight restoration helps improve energy levels, reduce fatigue, and support overall physical well-being during treatment or illness.
Side effects of Megarex Tablet
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Megarex
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Impotence
- Rash
- Flatulence
- High blood pressure
- Weakness
How to use Megarex Tablet
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. Megarex 160 Tablet may be taken with or without food.
How Megarex Tablet works
Megarex 160 Tablet is a synthetic derivative of the hormone progesterone. It is believed to act through hormonal pathways that influence appetite regulation and metabolism, leading to increased food intake and subsequent weight gain in patients with cancer- or AIDS-related anorexia, cachexia, or significant weight loss.
Safety advice
Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Megarex 160 Tablet. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
UNSAFE
Megarex 160 Tablet is highly unsafe during pregnancy. It can cause serious harm to the unborn baby, including birth defects and pregnancy loss. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Breast feeding
UNSAFE
Megarex 160 Tablet is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.
Driving
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether Megarex 160 Tablet alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react. Please consult your doctor.
Kidney
CAUTION
Megarex 160 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment may be needed.
Liver
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
There is limited data available on the use of Megarex 160 Tablet in patients with liver disease.
What if you forget to take Megarex Tablet?
If you miss a dose of Megarex 160 Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Megarex 160 Tablet
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Quick tips
- Take Megarex 160 Tablet exactly as prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop suddenly without medical advice.
- Attend regular follow-up visits to monitor weight, appetite, and overall response to treatment.
- Monitor blood sugar levels if you have diabetes, as the medicine may worsen or trigger high blood sugar.
- Inform your doctor immediately if you experience dizziness, weakness, nausea, or low blood pressure, especially after long-term use.
- Use effective contraception during treatment and inform your doctor if pregnancy occurs.
Fact Box
Chemical Class
Progestin derivative
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
VITAMINS MINERALS NUTRIENTS
Action Class
Progestins (First generation)
Interaction with drugs
Taking Megarex with any of the following medicines can modify the effect of either of them and cause some undesirable side effects
Effective contraception must be used before, during, and for at least 6 weeks after stopping Mycophenolate mofetil. It is recommended to consult your doctor. Mycophenolate mofetil
If concurrent use is essential, your doctor may monitor your thyroid functioning closely along with your overall treatment and adjust the doses as per the observations.
Concurrent
Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly and talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms during the simultaneous use of these medicines.
Concurrent use may affect di
Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly and talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms during the simultaneous use of these medicines.
Concurrent use may affect di
Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly and talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms during the simultaneous use of these medicines.
Concurrent use may affect di
Patient concerns
FAQs
What is Megarex 160 Tablet used for?
Megarex 160 Tablet is used for the treatment of anorexia, cachexia, or unexplained, significant weight loss in patients with cancer or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). These conditions involve poor appetite and progressive weight loss associated with serious illness. The medicine helps improve appetite and support weight gain in affected patients.
How does Megarex 160 Tablet help with weight gain?
Megarex 160 Tablet works by stimulating appetite, which helps increase food intake. The exact mechanism by which it improves appetite and body weight is not fully understood. Its hormonal activity is believed to influence appetite regulation, leading to gradual weight gain in some patients.
How long does it take to see results?
Improvements in appetite and weight gain have been observed within weeks in clinical studies, although response varies between individuals. Some patients may notice appetite improvement earlier than weight gain. Regular follow-up with your doctor is important to assess treatment response.
Can Megarex 160 Tablet affect blood sugar levels?
Yes, Megarex 160 Tablet has been associated with new-onset diabetes and worsening of preexisting diabetes. It may increase blood glucose levels, particularly with long-term use. Patients with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar closely and inform their doctor of any unusual symptoms, such as increased thirst or frequent urination.
Can Megarex 160 Tablet affect the adrenal glands?
Yes, long-term use of Megarex 160 Tablet may suppress adrenal gland function. Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported, especially during stress such as surgery or infection. Symptoms like weakness, dizziness, nausea, or low blood pressure should be reported promptly.
Is Megarex 160 Tablet safe during pregnancy?
Megarex 160 Tablet is contraindicated in known or suspected pregnancy because it may cause harm to the unborn baby. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception while taking this medicine. If pregnancy occurs during treatment, the doctor should be informed immediately.
Can Megarex 160 Tablet increase the risk of blood clots?
Yes, thromboembolic events such as thrombophlebitis and pulmonary embolism have been reported with Megarex 160 Tablet use. Patients with a history of blood clots should use the medicine with caution. Seek immediate medical care if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling in one leg.
Is Megarex 160 Tablet meant to prevent weight loss before it happens?
No, Megarex 160 Tablet is not intended for prophylactic use to avoid weight loss. It is prescribed only after significant weight loss, anorexia, or cachexia has developed. The medicine should be used under medical supervision after appropriate evaluation.
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Disclaimer:
Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.References
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO): Megestrol acetate. [Accessed 04 Apr. 2019] (online). Available from:
- Megestrol acetate [Prescribing Information]. Malvern, PA: Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc.; 2018. [Accessed 12 Feb. 2026] (online). Available from:
- Megestrol acetate [Prescribing Information]. Columbus, OH: American Health Packaging; 2026.
Marketer details
Name: Alpine Lifescience Private Limited
Address: C-57/X3, Ground Floor, C-Block Dilshad Garden, Shahdara, Delhi New Delhi North East Dl 110095 India
Country of origin: India
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