Megestrol Drug Information

Megestrol acetate oral suspension, USP is indicated for the treatment of anorexia, cachexia, or an unexplained, significant weight loss in patients with a diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

The recommended adult initial dosage of megestrol acetate oral suspension, USP 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.

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 megestrol acetate oral suspension.

ADVERSE EVENTS% of Patients Reporting Trial 1 (N = 236) Trail 2 (N=87) Open Label Trial Megestrol Acetate mg/day No. of Patients Placebo 0 N=34 100 N=68 400 N=69 800 N=65 Placebo 0 N=38 800 N=49 1200 N=176 Diarrhea 15 13 8 15 8 6 10 Impotence 3 4 6 14 0 4 7 Rash 9 9 4 12 3 2 6 Flatulence 9 0 1 9 3 10 6 Hypertension 0 0 0 8 0 0 4 Asthenia 3 2 3 6 8 4 5 Insomnia 0 3 4 6 0 0 1 Nausea 9 4 0 5 3 4 5 Anemia 6 3 3 5 0 0 0 Fever 3 6 4 5 3 2 1 Libido Decreased 3 4 0 5 0 2 1 Dyspepsia 0 0 3 3 5 4 2 Hyperglycemia 3 0 6 3 0 0 3 Headache 6 10 1 3 3 0 3 Pain 6 0 0 2 5 6 4 Vomiting 9 3 0 2 3 6 4 Pneumonia 6 0 2 2 3 0 1 Urinary Frequency 0 0 1 2 5 2 1 Adverse events which occurred in 1 to 3% of all patients enrolled in the two clinical efficacy trials with at least one follow-up visit during the first 12 weeks of the study are listed below by body system. Adverse events occurring less than 1% are not included. There were no significant differences between incidence of these events in patients treated with megestrol acetate and patients treated with placebo.

Body as a Whole - abdominal pain, chest pain, infection, moniliasis and sarcoma Cardiovascular System - cardiomyopathy and palpitation Digestive System - constipation, dry mouth, hepatomegaly, increased salivation and oral moniliasis Hemic and Lymphatic System - leukopenia Metabolic and Nutritional - LDH increased, edema and peripheral edema Nervous System - paresthesia, confusion, convulsion, depression, neuropathy, hypesthesia and abnormal thinking Respiratory System - dyspnea, cough, pharyngitis and lung disorder Skin and Appendages - alopecia, herpes, pruritus, vesiculobullous rash, sweating and skin disorder Special Senses - amblyopia Urogenital System - albuminuria, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infection and gynecomastia Postmarketing - Postmarketing reports associated with megestrol acetate oral suspension include thromboembolic phenomena including thrombophlebitis and pulmonary embolism and glucose intolerance (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Strides Pharma Inc. at 1-877-244-9825 or go to www.strides.com or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

History of hypersensitivity to megestrol acetate or any component of the formulation. Known or suspected pregnancy.

No serious unexpected side effects have resulted from studies involving megestrol acetate oral suspension administered in dosages as high as 1200 mg/day. In post-marketing experience, limited reports of overdose have been received. Signs and symptoms reported in the context of overdose included diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, cough, unsteady gait, listlessness, and chest pain.

There is no specific antidote for overdose with megestrol acetate oral suspension. In case of overdose, appropriate supportive measures should be taken. Megestrol acetate has not been tested for dialyzability, however, due to its low solubility it is postulated that dialysis would not be an effective means of treating overdose