Megestrol Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 14, 2024.

Applies to megestrol: oral suspension, oral tablet.

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:

More common side effects

• blurred vision
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• flushed, dry skin
• fruit-like breath odor
• increased hunger
• increased thirst
• increased urination
• nausea
• nervousness
• slow or fast heartbeat
• stomach pain
• sweating
• trouble breathing
• unexplained weight loss
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting

Less common side effects

• black, tarry stools
• bladder pain
• bloody or cloudy urine
• burning or stinging of the skin
• burning, tingling, numbness or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
• chest pain or discomfort
• cough or hoarseness
• discouragement
• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• feeling sad or empty
• fever or chills
• frequent urge to urinate
• irritability
• lack of appetite
• loss of interest or pleasure
• lower back or side pain
• painful cold sores or blisters on the lips, nose, eyes, or genitals
• painful or difficult urination
• right upper abdominal or stomach pain and fullness
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• stabbing pain
• swelling
• swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males
• swelling of the feet or lower legs
• swollen glands
• trouble concentrating
• trouble sleeping
• tumor
• unusual bleeding or bruising

Incidence not known

• anxiety
• backache
• changes in skin color
• facial hair growth in females
• fractures
• hives, itching, rash
• joint or muscle pain
• loss of sexual desire or ability
• menstrual irregularities
• muscle wasting
• pain, tenderness, or swelling of the foot or leg

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:

More common side effects

• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• excess air or gas in the stomach or intestine
• heartburn
• inability to have or keep an erection
• indigestion
• loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• stomach discomfort or upset

Less common side effects

• abnormal thinking
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• confusion
• change in vision
• constipation
• increased salivation

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]

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