megestrol

Generic Name: megestrol (meh JESS trol)
Brand Name: Megace, Megace ES

What is megestrol?

Megestrol is a man-made chemical similar to the female hormone progesterone.

Megestrol is used to treat loss of appetite and weight loss in people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Megestrol is also used in the treatment of advanced breast cancer and endometrial cancer.

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

What is the most important information I should know about megestrol?

Megestrol can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use megestrol if you are pregnant.

Before you take megestrol, tell your doctor if you have diabetes or a history of stroke or blood clot.

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Your dosage needs may change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have an infection. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor's advice.

Megace ES contains a higher concentration of megestrol than Megace. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about the medicine you receive at the pharmacy.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking megestrol?

You should not use megestrol if you are allergic to it, or if you are pregnant.

To make sure you can safely take megestrol, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• diabetes; or

• a history of stroke or blood clot.

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use megestrol if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use effective birth control while you are using this medication.

It is not known whether megestrol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking megestrol.

How should I take megestrol?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Megace ES contains a higher concentration of megestrol than Megace. If your doctor changes your brand, strength, or type of megestrol, your dosage needs may change. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about the medicine you receive at the pharmacy.

Your dosage needs may change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have an infection. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor's advice.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Megestrol dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking megestrol?

Avoid coming into contact with your body fluids (including urine, feces, vomit, semen, vaginal fluid). Megestrol can pass into body fluids. Patients or caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.

Body fluids should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant. Use condoms during sexual activity to avoid exposure to body fluids.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Megestrol side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• high blood sugar (increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss);

• nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, or feeling like you might pass out;

• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

• chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, fast heart rate; or

• high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion).

Less serious side effects may include:

• upset stomach;

• vaginal bleeding;

• mild skin rash;

• weakness,

• sleep problems (insomnia); or

• decreased interest in sex, impotence, trouble having an orgasm.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: megestrol side effects (in more detail)

Megestrol Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Breast Cancer--Palliative:

Megestrol tablets are indicated for use in the palliative treatment of advanced carcinoma of the breast: 160 mg/day (40 mg of oral tablets four times a day)

Usual Adult Dose for Endometrial Carcinoma:

Megestrol tablets are indicated for use in the palliative treatment of advanced carcinoma of the endometrium: 40 to 320 mg/day of oral tablets in divided doses

Usual Adult Dose for Anorexia:

Megestrol oral suspension is indicated for use in the treatment of anorexia at a dose of 800 mg/day.

Alternatively, 625 mg/5 mL of the concentrated formula (Megace ES formula) may be given.

Note: 800 mg/20 mL of the regular formula is equivalent to 625 mg/ 5 mL of the concentrated formula.

Usual Adult Dose for Cachexia:

Megestrol oral suspension is indicated for use in the treatment of cachexia at a dose of 800 mg/day.

Alternatively, 625 mg/5 mL of the concentrated formula (Megace ES formula) may be given.

Note: 800 mg/20 mL of the regular formula is equivalent to 625 mg/ 5 mL of the concentrated formula.

Usual Adult Dose for Weight Loss:

Megestrol oral suspension is indicated for use in the treatment of unexplained, significant weight loss in patients with a diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) at a dose of 800 mg/day.

Alternatively, 625 mg/5 mL of the concentrated formula (Megace ES formula) may be given.

Note: 800 mg/20 mL of the regular formula is equivalent to 625 mg/ 5 mL of the concentrated formula.

Usual Adult Dose for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding:

5 to 10 mg/day for 5 to 10 days

What other drugs will affect megestrol?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• indinavir; or

• insulin or oral diabetes medications.

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with megestrol. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about megestrol.