Megestrol Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 6, 2020.

• Consumer
• Professional

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]

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.

Medical Disclaimer