Meganor 160 mg (Megestrol Acetate) Tablets

Meganor 160 mg (Megestrol Acetate) Tablets – Dual-Action Oncology Medication

Overview

Meganor 160 mg contains Megestrol Acetate, a synthetic progestational drug with antineoplastic properties that serves two critical functions in cancer care: treating advanced breast and endometrial carcinomas while also addressing the debilitating weight loss and appetite decline commonly experienced by cancer and AIDS patients. Manufactured by the renowned Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd and supplied globally by Saif Pharma, Meganor represents an important component in comprehensive cancer management, addressing both the disease and its nutritional complications.

Mechanism of Action

Megestrol Acetate, the active ingredient in Meganor, functions through multiple mechanisms that make it valuable in cancer treatment and supportive care:

For Cancer Treatment:

• Hormonal Modulation: While the exact mechanism against endometrial cancer remains under investigation, Megestrol inhibits pituitary gonadotropin production, decreasing estrogen secretion
• Receptor Competition: Modifies the action of steroid hormones by competing for receptor sites
• Direct Cytotoxicity: Exerts direct cytotoxic effects on tumor cells
• Estrogen Pathway Disruption: Decreases the number of hormone-dependent breast cancer cells and counteracts estrogen’s stimulatory effects, disrupting the cyclic process of estrogen-receptor complex formation that leads to cancer cell proliferation

For Appetite Stimulation and Weight Gain:

• Appetite Enhancement: Stimulates appetite through multiple pathways, including neuropeptide Y stimulation in the hypothalamus
• Anti-Catabolic Effects: Reduces the breakdown of body tissues that occurs in wasting syndromes
• Fat Accumulation: Promotes increases in both appetite and fat deposition, helping to reverse weight loss

Pharmacokinetics

Understanding Meganor’s pharmacokinetic profile helps optimize its therapeutic use:

• Absorption: Peak plasma concentrations occur 2-3 hours after a single oral 160 mg dose
• Half-life: The plasma half-life of Megestrol Acetate is relatively long at 33-38 hours
• Metabolism: Extensively metabolized in the liver
• Elimination: Approximately 66% of an administered dose is excreted in urine and about 20% in feces

Clinical Applications

Meganor 160 mg is indicated for:

Cancer Treatment:

• Advanced Breast Carcinoma: Palliative treatment of recurrent, inoperable, or metastatic disease
• Advanced Endometrial Carcinoma: Palliative treatment when surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy are not appropriate options

Nutritional Support:

• AIDS-Related Cachexia: Treatment of anorexia, cachexia, and significant weight loss in AIDS patients
• Cancer-Related Weight Loss: Management of unexplained weight loss and appetite decline in cancer patients

It’s important to note that Meganor should not replace currently accepted primary treatments such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, but rather serves as a complementary palliative option.

Dosage & Administration

The recommended dosage regimens for Meganor tablets are:

• Breast Cancer: 160 mg once daily
• Endometrial Carcinoma: 40-320 mg daily, often divided into multiple doses

For appetite stimulation and weight gain (typically using the oral suspension form):

• Initial Dosage: 800 mg (20 ml) daily of the oral suspension

Treatment duration considerations:

• A minimum of 2 months of continuous treatment is typically required to adequately assess efficacy for cancer treatment
• Response for weight gain may be seen within weeks of starting therapy
• Dosing schedule should be maintained consistently, preferably with meals

Product Quality Assurance

Manufactured by Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a leading pharmaceutical company with over three decades of excellence, Meganor adheres to stringent quality control standards. Each tablet contains precisely 160 mg of Megestrol Acetate, ensuring consistent potency and efficacy. The product undergoes rigorous testing throughout the production process to maintain the high-quality standards required for oncology medications.

Global Availability

Through Saif Pharma’s extensive supply network spanning over 60 countries, Meganor 160 mg is accessible to patients worldwide, including major markets such as:

• United States
• Canada
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• China
• India
• Pakistan

This global reach ensures that patients across diverse geographic regions can access this important medication consistently.

Advantages of Meganor

1. Dual Benefit: Addresses both cancer progression and nutritional complications simultaneously
2. Weight Management: One of few medications specifically approved for cancer-related cachexia
3. Convenient Dosing: Simple once-daily oral administration enhances treatment adherence
4. Established Efficacy: Proven effectiveness in both cancer treatment and weight management
5. Quality Manufacturing: Produced by Eskayef Pharmaceuticals with rigorous quality standards
6. Global Supply: Available worldwide through Saif Pharma’s established supply network
7. Supportive Care: Improves quality of life by addressing the debilitating impact of appetite loss

Important Precautions and Considerations

Safety Profile

While generally well-tolerated, patients may experience side effects including:

• Weight gain (beneficial in cachexia patients but may be undesired in some cases)
• Nausea and vomiting (relatively rare, occurring in 1-2% of patients)
• Edema (fluid retention)
• Breakthrough uterine bleeding
• Less common: gynecomastia, hearing loss, dyspnea, heart failure, hypertension, mood changes

Special Precautions

Healthcare providers should be aware of important considerations when prescribing Meganor:

• Thromboembolic Risk: Use with caution in patients with a history of thrombophlebitis; thromboembolic events including potentially fatal pulmonary embolism have been reported
• Adrenocortical Effects: Megestrol can have adrenocortical effects that should be monitored
• Liver Function: Use cautiously in patients with severe impaired liver function
• Pregnancy & Lactation: Not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus; nursing should be discontinued during treatment
• Fluid Retention: Monitor patients with preexisting fluid balance issues
• Geriatric Use: Elderly patients may require dose adjustments due to decreased renal function

Storage Recommendations

For optimal stability and efficacy, Meganor should be:

• Stored below 30°C
• Kept in a dry place
• Protected from light and moisture
• Kept out of reach of children

About the Manufacturer

Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd began its journey in 1990 when Bangladesh operations of SK&F, USA were acquired by the respected Transcom Group. For over 31 years, Eskayef has built a reputation for premium quality pharmaceuticals, serving both domestic and international markets with world-class medicines.

About the Supplier

Founded in 2014, Saif Pharma has established itself as a leading supplier, trader, and provider of oncology medicines. With a mission centered on providing high-quality, affordable cancer treatments, Saif Pharma has earned a prestigious market position by prioritizing dependability and patient access. Their extensive global supply network ensures that vital medications like Meganor reach patients worldwide, reducing suffering and improving treatment outcomes.

Comprehensive Cancer Care Approach

Meganor 160 mg exemplifies the holistic approach needed in cancer management by addressing both disease progression and the nutritional complications that significantly impact quality of life. By helping maintain weight and appetite, Meganor supports patients’ overall strength and wellbeing, potentially improving their ability to tolerate other cancer treatments.

For more information about Meganor 160 mg (Megestrol Acetate) or to inquire about availability in your region, please visit www.saifpharma.com or consult with your healthcare provider.