Mestrel
Mestrel Products are primarily used for
Breast cancer, Endometrial cancer
About Mestrel Products
Uses of Mestrel Products
Megestrol is used in breast cancer and endometrial cancer. It specifically helps treat breast and endometrial cancer that are hormone dependent. It may also be used for treating low appetite and weight loss in patients with advanced cancer or HIV.
Mestrel Products side effects
Common
Side Effects of Mestrel are Weight gain, Constipation, Edema (swelling), Breathlessness, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Weakness, Impotence, Chest pain, Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting, Headache, Rash, Pain, Pneumonia, Fever, Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Abdominal pain, Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease), Dryness in mouth, Hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), Decreased white blood cell count (lymphocytes), Increased lactate level in blood, Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation), Confusion, Convulsion, Hair loss, Lazy eye, Breast enlargement in male, Urinary tract infection.
Severe
Side Effects of Mestrel are Cushing syndrome, Thrombophlebitis, Pulmonary embolism, Tumor flare.
How Mestrel Products work
Megestrol is a progestin (female hormone). It works in patients with breast cancer and endometrial cancer by affecting female hormones involved in cancer growth. It causes weight gain by increasing appetite.
Patient Concerns about Mestrel Products
Frequently asked questions about Mestrel Products
Frequently asked questions about Megestrol
Q. What is Mestrel 40mg Tablet and what is it used for?
Mestrel 40mg Tablet contains a medicine called Megestrol which is similar to the hormone progesterone, that naturally occurs in your body. It is used in hormone-dependent cancers of breast and endometrium (lining of the uterus). It may also be used to promote appetite and weight gain in AIDS patients.
Q. Does Mestrel 40mg Tablet make you gain weight?
Yes, Mestrel 40mg Tablet may cause weight gain as a very common side effect. Weight gain could be due to an increase in appetite which leads to an overall increase in fat and body cell mass. Consult your doctor if you experience excessive weight gain. It is commonly used to treat malnutrition, loss of appetite and severe weight loss in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, it is not intended for preventive use to avoid weight loss.
Q. When should I take Mestrel 40mg Tablet?
You can take Mestrel 40mg Tablet at any time of the day. However, you should take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow it whole with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day since this helps you to remember taking it. Check with your doctor if you are not sure.
Q. Does Mestrel 40mg Tablet stop periods?
No, Mestrel 40mg Tablet does not stop periods. However, it may interfere with your normal menstrual cycle. It may cause break-through bleeding and therefore has limited use in HIV infected women. Consult your doctor in case you experience breakthrough bleeding during the treatment with Mestrel 40mg Tablet.
Q. Is Mestrel 40mg Tablet a chemo medicine?
No, Mestrel 40mg Tablet is not a chemo medicine. It is a man-made version of the progesterone hormone. It is helpful in the treatment of breast cancer and endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterus). It works by modifying the female hormones involved in cancer growth.
Q. Is Mestrel 40mg Tablet acetate safe to be taken during pregnancy?
No, you should not take Mestrel 40mg Tablet if you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy. However, if you become pregnant while taking Mestrel 40mg Tablet, immediately contact your doctor as Mestrel 40mg Tablet may cause harm to your unborn baby. It is important to inform the doctor because it may cause abnormalities of sex organs in male and female babies if it is taken during first 3 months of pregnancy. Usually, the doctor may suggest a pregnancy test before starting your treatment with Mestrel 40mg Tablet.
Q. Does Mestrel 40mg Tablet prevent pregnancy?
No, Mestrel 40mg Tablet does not prevent pregnancy. It may disrupt your normal menstrual cycle but does not prevent pregnancy. Hence, you should use a reliable method of birth control to prevent pregnancy. Check with your doctor in case you are not sure or have any doubts.
Q. What is Mestrel 40mg Tablet? What is it used for?
Mestrel 40mg Tablet contains Megestrol, which is similar to the naturally produced hormone progesterone. The medicine is used in treatment hormone-dependent cancers of breast and endometrium (lining of the uterus). It may also be used to promote appetite and weight gain in AIDS patients.
Q. Does Mestrel 40mg Tablet need to be refrigerated?
No, there is no need to refrigerate Mestrel 40mg Tablet. However, this medicine should not be stored above 25°C. It should be stored in original packaging to protect from moisture.
Q. Is Mestrel 40mg Tablet used for hot flashes?
Use of Mestrel 40mg Tablet in hot flashes is not approved. Always consult your doctor before using Mestrel 40mg Tablet. Usually, estrogen in women and androgen in men are used for the treatment of hot flashes but these hormones cannot be used in females with breast cancer and males with prostate cancer.