No generic substitute for Megace ES

Megace ES and Megace^®* are not therapeutic equivalents.³ In addition, there is no generic substitute for Megace ES.³ The unique formulation of Megace ES provides differentiation through:

NanoCrystal^® Technology

Megace ES has improved on the micronized formulation of original formula Megace by utilizing NanoCrystal^® Technology.⁴ Through this technology, NanoCrystal^® particles are created, which are up to 50 times smaller than the micronized particles in original formula Megace. These small particles are produced and stabilized, resulting in an aqueous dispersion of the drug.⁴

The resulting dispersion provides increased surface area of the total drug, which leads to more rapid dissolution and increased absorption.⁴ This improves bioavailability vs. Megace in the unfed condition and allows for the ability to deliver the drug in a smaller volume per dose compared with original formula Megace.

• Original formula Megace had 83% lower bioavailability (C_max) in unfed subjects vs. Megace ES^†1

• There was comparable bioavailability between Megace ES and Megace in fed subjects¹

Less volume and reduced viscosity

Megace ES has 75% less total volume per dose compared with Megace 800 mg/20 mL.^1,17 Megace ES is also 94% less viscous than original formula Megace.⁶ This may be important for patients struggling with their ability and desire to eat.

• Megace ES is substantially less viscous than some common OTC products, including Mylanta^{®‡ 6}

• Lower viscosity may make Megace ES easier to take and may be important for patients who have trouble swallowing

*Megestrol acetate oral suspension.

^†Clinical significance unknown. Megace ES has improved absorption over original formula Megace in people who have not eaten (the unfed state). For people who have eaten (fed condition), Megace ES and original formula Megace have similar absorption into the body. The fed condition is achieved by subjects eating a high-calorie (800-1000 calories) and high-fat (approximately 50% of total calories) meal.¹⁶

^‡Mylanta is a registered trademark of Johnson & Johnson-Merck Consumer Pharmaceuticals Co.