Brand Name : Megace?
DESCRIPTION
MEGACE? (megestrol acetate, USP) Oral Suspension contains megestrol acetate, a synthetic derivative of the naturally occurring steroid hormone, progesterone. Megestrol acetate is a white, crystalline solid chemically designated as 17α-(acetyloxy)-6-methylpregna-4,6-diene-3,20-dione. Solubility at 37? C in water is 2 ?g per mL, solubility in plasma is 24 ?g per mL.
MEGACE Oral Suspension is supplied as an oral suspension containing 40 mg of micronized megestrol acetate per mL.
MEGACE Oral Suspension contains the following inactive ingredients: alcohol (max. 0.06% v/v from flavor), citric acid, lemon-lime flavor, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, purified water, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, sucrose and xanthan gum.
INDICATIONS
MEGACE Oral Suspension is indicated for the treatment of anorexia, cachexia, or an unexplained, significant weight loss in patients with a diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
The recommended adult initial dosage of MEGACE Oral Suspension is 800 mg/day (20 mL/day). Shake container well before using.
In clinical trials evaluating different dose schedules, daily doses of 400 and 800 mg/day were found to be clinically effective.
A plastic dosage cup with 10 mL and 20 mL markings is provided for convenience.
SIDE EFFECTS
Clinical Adverse Events
Adverse events which occurred in at least 5% of patients in any arm of the two clinical efficacy trials and the open trial are listed below by treatment group. All patients listed had at least one post baseline visit during the 12 study weeks. These adverse events should be considered by the physician when prescribing MEGACE (megestrol acetate, USP) Oral Suspension.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Pharmacokinetic studies show that there are no significant alterations in pharmacokinetic parameters of zidovudine or rifabutin to warrant dosage adjustment when megestrol acetate is administered with these drugs. The effects of zidovudine or rifabutin on the pharmacokinetics of megestrol acetate were not studied.