Megestrol Side Effects

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

Endocrine side effects including cases of new onset diabetes mellitus, exacerbation of preexisting diabetes mellitus, and overt Cushings syndrome have been reported in association of chronic use of megestrol. Adrenal insufficiency has also been reported in patients receiving or being withdrawn from chronic megestrol therapy in both the stressed and non-stressed state. Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) stimulation testing has revealed the frequent occurrence of asymptomatic pituitary-adrenal suppression in patients treated with chronic megestrol therapy. Hot flashes have also been reported.^[Ref]

The possibility of adrenal insufficiency should be considered in any patient receiving or being withdrawn from chronic megestrol who presents with signs and/or symptoms suggestive of hypoadrenalism in either the stressed or non-stressed state.^[Ref]

General

General side effects including a significant risk of weight gain (secondary to increased appetite), mood changes, malaise, asthenia, and lethargy have been reported.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects including thrombophlebitis, heart failure, edema, deep vein thrombosis, and hypertension have been reported.^[Ref]

Hematologic

Blood clots are particularly a risk in cancer patients and others susceptible to clotting.^[Ref]

Hematologic side effects including a significant risk to develop blood clots have been reported.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects including nausea and vomiting have been reported.^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects including breakthrough menstrual bleeding have been reported.^[Ref]

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects including pulmonary embolism (sometimes fatal) and dyspnea have been reported.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects including alopecia, sweating, and rash have been reported.^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects have included at least two patients with severe osteoporosis complicated by multiple vertebral fractures experienced while the patients were receiving high-dose megestrol therapy.^[Ref]

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects including carpal tunnel syndrome have been reported.^[Ref]

Oncologic

Oncologic side effects including tumor flare (with or without hypercalcemia) have been reported. Long term animal studies have reported an increased risk for both benign and malignant tumors of the breast.^[Ref]

Other

Other side effects including a possible case of megestrol withdrawal syndrome have been reported.^[Ref]

Not all side effects for megestrol may be reported. You should always consult a doctor or healthcare professional for medical advice. Side effects can be reported to the FDA here.

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