Type of medicine: progestin hormone
Generic and brand names: megestrol tablets, oral; megestrol suspension, oral; Megace; Megace ES
This medicine is taken by mouth to stimulate the appetite and to prevent weight loss in people with AIDS. It is also used to treat the symptoms of cancer of the breast and uterus.
This medicine may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your healthcare provider if you have recently had a long period of bed rest after major surgery or a broken bone in a cast. Tell your provider if you have a family history of heart disease, heart attack, blood clots, strokes, breast cancer, or other conditions.
Tell your healthcare provider if you smoke. Smoking while you are using this medicine increases the risk of serious side effects such as heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. The risk increases with age and the number of cigarettes smoked a day. Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to quit smoking.
Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are taking this medicine.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Take it on a regular schedule for as long as prescribed. Do not take more or for longer than directed.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Taking it with meals may lessen the chance the drug will upset your stomach.
Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. You may have to reduce your dosage gradually to prevent side effects. You may also need to take a steroid medicine if you have a serious infection or require surgery. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
This medicine comes as tablets or liquid form. If you have the liquid, shake the container well before pouring a dose into the plastic measuring cup provided with this medicine. Take the exact dosage prescribed. Note that Megace ES is an extra strength form of this medicine. Make sure you understand how much medicine to take.
If you are not sure how to take this medicine, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explain.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Take the medicine at bedtime to reduce side effects.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
This medicine does not protect you against HIV (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases. Use condoms if you are at risk of getting or giving someone HIV (AIDS) or any other STD.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine. You may need to stop taking hormones at least 4 to 6 weeks before the surgery and bedrest. If you need lab tests, tell the healthcare provider you are taking this medicine. Hormones may change some blood test results.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
Diabetics: If you are taking insulin or another medicine for diabetes, talk to your healthcare provider because your dosage of diabetes medicine may need to be changed.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you are unable to reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing)
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Pain in the calves accompanied by swelling, warmth, or redness; numbness, weakness, or tingling in the arms or legs (especially on one side); sudden severe headache; confusion; changes in speech; chest pain; irregular heartbeat; increased blood pressure; shortness of breath; vision changes; swelling in the feet or ankles.
Other: Breakthrough vaginal bleeding, weight gain, change in appetite, headache, dizziness, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, gas, diarrhea, hair loss, mood changes, hot flashes, sweating, rash, trouble sleeping, change in sexual ability or desire, dry mouth, increased urination, breast swelling.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicines in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
