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compositionComposition:MEGESTROL-40MG
prescription
Prescription Medicine
info
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UNISTROL 40MG TABLET is used as a symptomatic treatment in patients with breast cancer and endometrial cancer. It contains Megestrol, which works similarly to the female hormone progesterone. It interferes with the production or action of hormones involved in cancer growth. This effect helps to slow down the progression of cancer and reduce the symptoms associated with cancer.

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Written By Veda Maddala , M Pharmacy
Reviewed By Bayyarapu Mahesh Kumar , M Pharmacy
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More about the Product

Composition :

MEGESTROL-40MG

Manufacturer/Marketer :

Uni Sankyo Ltd

Consume Type :

Oral

Expires on or after :

Jan-27

Return Policy :

Not Returnable

About UNISTROL 40MG TABLET

UNISTROL 40MG TABLET is a tablet prescribed to treat severe appetite loss and significant weight loss in adults. It is primarily used for individuals experiencing advanced health conditions, such as cancer or HIV/AIDS, to help them regain lost body mass. It is also used to manage certain advanced, hormone-sensitive cancers.

To get the best results, you must take UNISTROL 40MG TABLET consistently at the same time every day, exactly as your doctor directs. You can take this tablet with or without food, but taking it with meals can help prevent stomach upset. Incorporating high-calorie foods and light physical activity into your daily routine can also help boost your overall progress.

While taking this medication, you may notice mild side effects like a larger appetite, weight gain, or slight fluid retention. However, you must contact your doctor immediately if you experience serious issues, such as sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or painful swelling in your legs.

Talk to your doctor before starting UNISTROL 40MG TABLET if you have a history of blood clots, diabetes, kidney issues, or adrenal gland problems. Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, as it can cause serious harm to an unborn baby.

This medicine can interact with other treatments. Smoking is an independent risk factor for blood clots and may add to the clotting risk already associated with UNISTROL 40MG TABLET , rather than directly interacting with the medicine. If you smoke, drink alcohol, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an older adult, discuss your individual risks and treatment needs with your doctor.

Uses of UNISTROL 40MG TABLET

UNISTROL 40MG TABLET is used to manage severe appetite and weight loss in certain chronic conditions and to treat selected hormone-sensitive cancers. Its main uses include:

  • Severe weight loss and appetite loss (Cachexia/Anorexia): UNISTROL 40MG TABLET helps stimulate the appetite and promotes healthy weight gain in adults experiencing extreme weight loss due to chronic illnesses.
  • Advanced breast cancer: It helps manage and slow down the growth of certain hormone-sensitive breast cancers in adults when other primary treatments are no longer working.
  • Advanced endometrial cancer: It is used to treat cancer of the lining of the uterus by helping to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells.

Key Benefits

UNISTROL 40MG TABLET helps improve appetite and support weight gain in people experiencing significant weight loss or wasting associated with certain medical conditions.

  • Stimulates Appetite: Helps increase the desire to eat, making it easier to consume enough calories and nutrients.
  • Supports Weight Gain: May promote weight gain in people with severe, unintended weight loss or reduced appetite.
  • Improves Nutritional Intake: Better appetite may help increase daily calorie and nutrient consumption, supporting overall nutritional status.
  • Supports Physical Strength: Regaining weight may help improve energy and reduce weakness associated with severe weight loss, although the weight gained may include body fat rather than muscle.
  • Supports Daily Functioning: Improved appetite and nutritional intake may help some patients manage daily activities and ongoing medical treatment more comfortably.
Side effects of Unistrol 40mg Tablet
Here are the 7 step-by-step strategies to manage the side effect of "inability to sleep" caused by medication usage:
  • Prepare for a restful night's sleep: Develop a calming pre-sleep routine, like reading or meditation, to help your body relax and prepare for sleep.
  • Create a sleep-conducive Environment: Make bedroom a sleep haven by ensuring it is quiet, dark and calm.
  • Follow a Sleep Schedule: Go to bed and get up at the same time every day to help regulate your body's internal clock and increase sleep quality.
  • Try relaxing techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness meditation and any others.
  • Limit stimulating activities before bedtime: Avoid stimulating activities before bedtime to improve sleep quality.
  • Monitor Progress: Keep track of your sleep patterns to identify areas for improvement.
  • Consult a doctor if needed: If these steps don't improve your sleep, consult a doctor for further guidance and therapy.
  • Skin rash caused by allergies is due to irritants or allergens. Therefore, avoid contact with such irritants.
  • Consult your doctor for proper medication and apply an anti-itch medication. Follow the schedule and use the medication whenever needed.
  • Protect your skin from extreme heat and try to apply wet compresses.
  • Soak in the cool bath, which gives a soothing impact to the affected area.
  • Always wear loose-fitting clothes which are suitable for your activity.
  • Include the diet containing fruits like watermelon, grapes, bananas and green leafy vegetables.
  • Drink plenty of water stay hydrated.
  • Avoid moving more and staying in hot sun.
  • Eat a healthy balanced diet.
  • Reduce stress with relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.
  • Keep track of your menstrual cycle any irregularities.
  • Have regular check ups to exclude other health problems.
  • Exercise but do not exercise to the extent of overheating.
  • Hydrate well, eat well (particularly iron and vitamins).
  • Vaginal bleeding can be abnormal if it is not related to menstruation, and needs immediate attention and cannot be ignored.
  • Get a physical examination and follow your doctor's instructions to get relief from bleeding.
  • Avoid using vaginal sprays or perfumed soaps that increase itching and irritation.
  • Prefer practicing yoga and meditation to reduce stress and anxiety, as it can worsen vaginal bleeding.
  • Take a balanced diet and manage your weight.
  • Record your periods to track flow, duration, and symptoms.
  • Take iron supplements for heavy bleeding.
  • Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Include spinach, kale, blueberries, and nuts in your diet.
  • Drink water, exercise, and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Relax with deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.
  • Use pain relievers or heating pads for period pain.
  • See a doctor if your symptoms are severe.

Directions for Use

  • Take UNISTROL 40MG TABLET with or without food as advised by your doctor.
  • Adhere to your doctor’s guidance regarding the dosage and timing of this medication for optimal effectiveness.
  • Swallow UNISTROL 40MG TABLET as a whole with a glass of water.
  • Do not crush, chew, or break it.

How UNISTROL 40MG TABLET Works

UNISTROL 40MG TABLET contains megestrol, a man-made version of progesterone, a hormone naturally found in the body. The exact way it stimulates appetite is not fully understood. It may influence pathways involved in appetite regulation, including certain brain signals and inflammatory processes, helping increase food intake and support weight gain in some people. When used to treat advanced hormone-sensitive cancers, UNISTROL 40MG TABLET works in a different way. It blocks or alters the natural hormone pathways that cancer cells rely on to grow. By shutting down these signals, UNISTROL 40MG TABLET helps slow down or stop the spread of cancer cells in the body.
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Alcohol

Caution

Alcohol consumption may increase the risk of side effects and worsen the disease. So, avoid alcohol consumption while using this medicine.

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Pregnancy

Unsafe

UNISTROL 40MG TABLET should not be used in pregnant women as it may cause birth defects in the unborn baby. Women who are of childbearing potential should obtain a negative pregnancy test before using this medicine.

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Breast Feeding

Unsafe

UNISTROL 40MG TABLET is not recommended for use in breastfeeding as it may pass into breastmilk and harm your infant.

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Driving

Safe if prescribed

UNISTROL 40MG TABLET may not affect your ability to drive.

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Liver

Caution

UNISTROL 40MG TABLET should be used with caution if you have liver disease. Your doctor may adjust the dose or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.

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Kidney

Caution

UNISTROL 40MG TABLET should be used with caution if you have kidney disease. Your doctor may adjust the dose or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.

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Children

Unsafe

UNISTROL 40MG TABLET is not recommended for use in children below 12 years of age.

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Heart

Unsafe

UNISTROL 40MG TABLET is not recommended for use in heart patients. This medicine has a block box warning- risk of blood clots.

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Geriatrics

Caution

UNISTROL 40MG TABLET should be given with caution in elderly patients due to an increased risk of side effects. Seek medical advice before using UNISTROL 40MG TABLET .

What if I have taken an overdose of UNISTROL 40MG TABLET

If you take more than your prescribed dose, seek immediate emergency medical care or call a poison control centre. Symptoms of an overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, or confusion.

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Have 5 to 6 smaller meals throughout the day if large meals feel difficult to manage.
  • Choose Nutrient-Dense Foods: Include energy- and protein-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, eggs, avocados, dairy products, pulses, and lean proteins according to your dietary needs.
  • Avoid Filling Up on Fluids Before Meals: If early fullness is a problem, limit large amounts of fluid immediately before or during meals while maintaining adequate hydration throughout the day.
  • Stay Active as Advised: If approved by your doctor, include gentle physical activity or resistance exercises to help maintain strength and muscle function.
health query

Have a query?

How Soon It Starts Working

  • The time required for UNISTROL 40MG TABLET to start to work: UNISTROL 40MG TABLET ideally shows its action within 2 to 3 hours after administration.
  • The time for which the effects of UNISTROL 40MG TABLET last: The effect of UNISTROL 40MG TABLET lasts for 24 hours.

What if you forget to take UNISTROL 40MG TABLET

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal routine. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed one.

Storage

•Store UNISTROL 40MG TABLET tablets at room temperature, between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F). •Keep the container tightly closed in a dry place to protect the medicine from moisture and direct light.

Drug Warnings

  • Do Not Stop Suddenly: Do not stop UNISTROL 40MG TABLET or reduce the dose on your own, especially after prolonged use. Your doctor may need to reduce the dose gradually because sudden discontinuation can contribute to adrenal gland problems.
  • Monitor Blood Sugar: If you have diabetes, check your blood glucose as advised because UNISTROL 40MG TABLET may raise blood sugar levels and affect diabetes control.
  • Watch for Signs of Blood Clots: Contact your doctor urgently if you develop unexplained pain, swelling, redness, or warmth in one leg. Seek immediate medical help for sudden chest pain, coughing up blood, or difficulty breathing.
  • Prevent Pregnancy During Treatment: Use effective contraception as advised by your doctor. Discuss suitable contraceptive options rather than assuming a non-hormonal method is required in every case.
  • Inform Healthcare Providers: Tell your doctor, dentist, surgeon, or anaesthetist that you are taking UNISTROL 40MG TABLET before any medical or dental procedure.

Drug-Drug Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip

The following medicines may interact with UNISTROL 40MG TABLET and require closer monitoring or treatment adjustments:

  • Corticosteroids: Medicines such as prednisone may add to effects on the adrenal glands or blood sugar control, particularly during prolonged treatment.
  • Diabetes Medicines: UNISTROL 40MG TABLET may raise blood glucose levels, which can reduce the effectiveness of insulin or oral blood sugar-lowering medicines and require adjustment of diabetes treatment.
  • Anticoagulants: UNISTROL 40MG TABLET may alter the effect of blood-thinning medicines such as warfarin. Your doctor may need to monitor blood-clotting tests more closely and adjust treatment if necessary.
MegestrolDofetilide
Severe
MegestrolThalidomide
Severe

Drug-Drug Interactions

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MegestrolDofetilide
Severe
How does the drug interact with Unistrol 40mg Tablet:
Co-administration of Unistrol 40mg Tablet and Dofetilide can increase the chance of a serious abnormal heart rhythm. If you suffer from any cardiac conditions or electrolyte disturbances, you may be at higher risk.

How to manage the interaction:
Co-administration of Unistrol 40mg Tablet with Dofetilide can possibly result in an interaction, but it can be taken if a doctor has advised it. If you're having any of these symptoms like dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, lack of breath, chest discomfort, or palpitations, consult a doctor. Do not stop using any medications without a doctor's advice.
MegestrolThalidomide
Severe
How does the drug interact with Unistrol 40mg Tablet:
Taking Thalidomide together with Unistrol 40mg Tablet may increase the risk of blood clots.

How to manage the interaction:
Although taking thalidomide and Unistrol 40mg Tablet together can possibly result in an interaction, it can be taken if a doctor has prescribed it. However, consult the doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, sudden loss of vision, pain, redness or swelling in an arm or leg, and numbness or weakness on one side of the body. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.

Drug-Food Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip

No clinically significant food interactions are known with UNISTROL 40MG TABLET when used as directed.

No Drug - Food interactions found in our database. Some may be unknown. Consult your doctor for what to avoid during medication.

Drug-Food Interactions

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All Substitutes & Brand Comparisons

Habit Forming

No

Therapeutic Class

[PROGESTINS]

FAQs

UNISTROL 40MG TABLET is used for the treatment of Breast cancer and Endometrial cancer.
UNISTROL 40MG TABLET contains Megestrol, which works similarly to the female hormone progesterone. It interferes with the production or action of hormones involved in cancer growth. This effect helps to slow down the progression of cancer and reduce the symptoms associated with cancer.
UNISTROL 40MG TABLET may increase appetite and cause weight gain. You may gain weight, especially in the waist and the upper back. This effect usually decreases after discontinuing the treatment. However, opt for a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a normal weight while using this medicine.
UNISTROL 40MG TABLET may not affect fertility but may disrupt the menstrual cycle (periods). Though this medicine affects periods, you should take reliable contraceptive measures while using UNISTROL 40MG TABLET to prevent pregnancy as it may cause harmful effects to the unborn baby.
UNISTROL 40MG TABLET may increase blood glucose levels, so inform your doctor that you have diabetes before taking this medicine. If prescribed, you should monitor blood glucose levels regularly during the treatment.
No. UNISTROL 40MG TABLET is not a contraceptive and should not be used to prevent pregnancy. Although it may disrupt the menstrual cycle, you can still become pregnant. Use effective contraception during treatment and discuss suitable birth control options with your doctor.
It is recommended that you complete the course of UNISTROL 40MG TABLET even if you feel better. To treat your condition effectively, continue taking UNISTROL 40MG TABLET for as long as your doctor has prescribed it.
If you miss a dose of UNISTROL 40MG TABLET , take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take twice the dose to make up for a missed dose.
Take UNISTROL 40MG TABLET at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label or as directed by the physician.
UNISTROL 40MG TABLET is a hormonal therapy drug used to treat breast and womb cancer.
No, it is not recommended to use while pregnant. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking megestrol, call your doctor immediately. Megestrol may harm the foetus.
No, do not refrigerate. It should be stored in a cool and dry place away from sunlight.
No, there is no clinically proven indication to treat hot flushes with UNISTROL 40MG TABLET .
The common side-effects of UNISTROL 40MG TABLET are an increase in appetite, weight gain, shortness of breath, hot flushes (reddening of the face and neck), high blood pressure, increased blood sugar levels, a rounded face, constipation, and swelling of a vein due to a blood clot. If any of these side effects persist or get worse, inform your doctor immediately.
Yes, mild swelling in the ankles, feet, or hands due to fluid retention is a known side effect of this medicine. If the swelling becomes severe or is accompanied by shortness of breath, talk to your doctor right away.
There is no well-established direct interaction between alcohol and UNISTROL 40MG TABLET . However, alcohol may worsen certain side effects or add to other health risks depending on your medical condition and individual risk factors, including factors that affect blood clot risk. It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether alcohol is safe for you during treatment.

Disclaimer

While we strive to provide complete, accurate, and expert-reviewed content on our 'Platform', we make no warranties or representations and disclaim all responsibility and liability for the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the aforementioned content. The content on our platform is for informative purposes only, and may not cover all clinical/non-clinical aspects. Reliance on any information and subsequent action or inaction is solely at the user's risk, and we do not assume any responsibility for the same. The content on the Platform should not be considered or used as a substitute for professional and qualified medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any query pertaining to medicines, tests and/or diseases, as we support, and do not replace the doctor-patient relationship.

Reference

  1. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). Pil.11135 Patient Information Leaflet (PIL). Cheshire, UK: Datapharm; 2025. [Accessed on 02 Jun. 2026]Check here
  2. Drugs.com Clinical Review Team. Megestrol Clinical Drug Monograph. Auckland, NZ: Drugs.com; 2026. [Accessed on 02 Jun. 2026]Check here
  3. Megestrol acetate [Prescribing Information]. 2018. [Accessed on 12 Feb. 2026]Check here
  4. MedlinePlus - Health Information from the National Library of Medicine [Internet]. Megestrol: medlineplus drug information; [Accessed on 22 May 2025]Check here
  5. PubMed [Internet]. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in a male patient taking megestrol acetate and rivaroxaban: a case report - pubmed; [Accessed on 22 May 2025]Check here
  6. PubMed Central (PMC) [Internet]. Prevention of torsade de pointes in hospital settings [Accessed on 15 Oct 2025]Check here
  7. Manikkuttiyil C, Nguyen H. Megestrol. [Updated 2023 Jun 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing [Accessed on 22 May 2025]Check here

Country of origin

India

Manufacturer/Marketer address

plot no. 55, sector 82, jlpl industrial area, sahibzada ajit singh nagar, punjab 160055
Other Info - UNI0151
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