Megestrol Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 24, 2024.

Applies to megestrol: oral suspension, oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using megestrol oral liquid while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, your doctor may do tests to make sure you are not pregnant before starting this medicine. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

This medicine may cause adrenal gland problems. Check with your doctor right away if you have darkening of the skin, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, loss of appetite, mental depression, nausea, skin rash, unusual tiredness or weakness, or vomiting.

This medicine may cause diabetes. Check with your doctor right away if you have blurred vision, dry mouth, flushed, dry skin, fruit-like breath odor, increased hunger, increased thirst, increased urination, loss of consciousness, nausea, stomach pain, sweating, trouble breathing, unexplained weight loss. or vomiting.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of megestrol

Along with its needed effects, megestrol may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking megestrol:

Other side effects of megestrol

Some side effects of megestrol may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to megestrol: compounding powder, oral suspension, oral tablet.

Endocrine adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Adrenal insufficiency, cushingoid, Cushing's syndrome^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Thrombophlebitis, hypertension, hot flush
• Common (1% to 10%): Cardiac failure, chest pain, cardiomyopathy, palpitation
• Postmarketing reports: Deep vein thrombosis, thromboembolic phenomena^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Leukopenia^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Constipation
• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal pain^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Pollakiuria, menorrhagia, erectile dysfunction, albuminuria, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infection, gynecomastia^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Pulmonary embolism (sometimes fatal), dyspnea
• Common (1% to 10%): Cough, pharyngitis, lung disorder^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash, alopecia, moniliasis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Herpes, pruritus, vesiculobullous rash, sweating, skin disorder^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Carpal tunnel syndrome, lethargy, paresthesia, convulsion, neuropathy, hypesthesia^[Ref]

Oncologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Tumor flare (with or without hypercalcemia), sarcoma^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Asthenia, pain, edema
• Common (1% to 10%): Edema, peripheral edema^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Amblyopia^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Diabetes mellitus, glucose tolerance impaired, hyperglycemia, increased appetite, weight gain
• Common (1% to 10%): LDH increased
• Postmarketing reports: Glucose intolerance^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Mood altered, confusion, depression^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Megestrol side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer