Deplin and Megestrol Acetate

• Generic Name: l-methylfolate
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Deplin, L-Methylfolate Formula, XaQuil XR, L-Methylfolate Formula 75

Folate is a form of B vitamin that occurs naturally in many foods. Folic acid is the man-made form of folate that is added to processed foods or vitamin and mineral supplements. Folate is needed in the human body for production of red blood cells.

A lack (deficiency) of folate in the human body can be caused by certain diseases, by taking certain medications, or by not getting enough folate in your diet. Folate deficiency can lead to decreased red blood cells, or anemia. Folate deficiency can also cause high levels of a certain amino acid in the blood, a condition called hyperhomocysteinemia (HYE-per-HOE-moe-sis-tin-EE-mee-a).

Deplin is a medical food for use in people who have conditions related to folate deficiency. This medicine is also used in people with major depressive disorder who have folate deficiency, or in people with schizophrenia who have hyperhomocysteinemia related to folate deficiency.

Deplin is not an antidepressant or anti-psychotic medication. However, this medicine may enhance the effects of antidepressant medications.

Deplin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: megestrol
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Megace ES, Megace

Palliative management of recurrent, inoperable, or metastatic breast cancer.

Estrogen and/or progesterone receptor-positive breast cancer is more likely to respond to megestrol therapy.

Does not replace appropriate methods of treatment of advanced breast cancer (e.g., surgery, radiation, chemotherapy).

Not recommended for treatment of other types of neoplastic disease; use only for treatment of breast cancer or endometrial cancer.

Palliative management of recurrent, inoperable, or metastatic endometrial carcinoma.

Does not replace appropriate methods of treatment of advanced endometrial carcinoma (e.g., surgery, radiation, chemotherapy).

Not recommended for treatment of other types of neoplastic disease; use only for treatment of endometrial cancer or breast cancer.

Management of anorexia, cachexia, or an unexplained, substantial weight loss in HIV-infected individuals (designated an orphan drug by FDA for this use).

Also has been used to stimulate appetite and promote weight gain in a limited number of patients with cachexia associated with neoplastic disease.

Therapy should be initiated only after treatable causes (e.g., possible malignancies; systemic infections; GI disorders affecting absorption; endocrine, renal, or psychiatric diseases) of the condition have been evaluated.

Manufacturer states that megestrol should not be used prophylactically to avoid weight loss.