ONCOLOGIC
PROTOCOL
MEGACE
|
| MAJOR INDICATIONS:
HORMONAL TREATMENTS FOR BREAST CANCER (ALL
STAGES) |
| IDENTIFICATION: Megace |
| This
drug has been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug
Administration) for the treatment of metastatic
(Stage IV) breast cancer. |
| Dose: 40
mg (1 tablet) four times per day. |
| Route:
Given orally |
| Duration and timing:
In the treatment of stage IV disease treatment is
continued until disease progression. |
Possible Side
effects:
- Gastrointestinal:
possible nausea and vomiting (which may
be decreased or prevented with
medications), appetite stimulation,
weight gain.
- Systemic:
fluid retention, edema, tumor flare,
hypercalcemia (high calcium levels),
hyperglycemia (high glucose levels) and
resistance to insulin has been seen.
- Fertility:
adverse effect on fertility is known;
this drug should not be taken by women
who are pregnant or breast feeding.
- Respiratory:
instances of pulmonary embolism have
occurred (blood clot going to the lung),
dyspnea (feeling of shortness of breath).
- Gynecologic:
episodes of vaginal discharge and
breakthrough bleeding have been noted.
- Hepatic:
elevated liver enzymes.
- Cardiovascular:
hypertension.
- Integmentary:
hair loss.
- Other:
increased risk of developing blood clots.
|
