Megestrol Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 6, 2020.
For the Consumer
Applies to megestrol: oral suspension, oral tablets
Side effects include:
In patients with breast cancer or endometrial cancer: Weight gain, nausea, vomiting, hypertension, vaginal bleeding and discharge (including breakthrough bleeding), hyperglycemia, asthenia, rash.
In patients with cachexia: Diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, hypertension, impotence, decreased libido, asthenia, rash, insomnia, anemia, fever, hyperglycemia, pain.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to megestrol: compounding powder, oral suspension, oral tablet
Endocrine
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]
References
1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
2. "Product Information. Megestrol Acetate (megestrol)." Par Pharmaceutical Inc, Chestnut Ridge, NY.
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
More about megestrol
- During Pregnancy
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- Drug Images
- Drug Interactions
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- Pricing & Coupons
- En Español
- 108 Reviews
- Drug class: hormones/antineoplastics
Consumer resources
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Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.