Megace (megestrol) is a man-made chemical similar to the female hormone progesterone.
Megace is used to treat loss of appetite and weight loss in people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Megestrol is also used in the treatment of advanced breast cancer and endometrial cancer.
Megace may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Megace can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use Megace if you are pregnant. Use birth control to prevent pregnancy.
Before you take Megace, tell your doctor if you have diabetes or a history of stroke or blood clot.
Your dosage needs may change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have an infection. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor"s advice.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Megace if you are allergic to megestrol, or if you are pregnant.
To make sure Megace is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
FDA pregnancy category X. Megace can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use effective birth control and follow your doctor"s instructions about how long to prevent pregnancy after your treatment ends.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether megestrol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking Megace.
How should I take Megace?
Take Megace exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Megace ES contains a higher concentration of megestrol than Megace. If your doctor changes your brand, strength, or type of megestrol, your dosage needs may change. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about the medicine you receive at the pharmacy.
Your dosage needs may change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have an infection. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor"s advice.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
This medicine can pass into body fluids (including urine, feces, vomit). Patients and caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.
Megace side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Megace: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any side effects during or after your treatment with Megace:
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weight gain (especially in your waist and upper back), stretch marks;
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thinning skin, easy bruising, increased acne or facial hair;
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menstrual problems, impotence or loss of interest in sex;
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high blood sugar (increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss);
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pain, swelling, warmth, or redness (especially in one or both legs); or
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chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood,
Common Megace side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Megace?
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Megace, especially:
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dofetilide; or
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indinavir.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with megestrol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
