Uses
What is megestrol used for?
Megestrol is commonly used to treat the following conditions.
- Loss of appetite, significant weight loss, or loss of muscle in people with AIDS
- Breast cancer that comes back, has spread to other parts of the body, or when surgery is not an option (advanced breast cancer)
- Endometrial cancer that comes back, has spread to other parts of the body, or when surgery is not an option (advanced endometrial cancer)
Megestrol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does megestrol work (mechanism of action)?
Megestrol may work by affecting certain hormones. This may slow the growth of certain tissues, which can help manage certain cancers and increase appetite to help with weight loss.
How is megestrol supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- Megace
- Megace ES
Dosage forms and strengths
- 20 mg oral tablets
- 40 mg oral tablets
- 40 mg/mL oral suspension
- 125 mg/mL oral suspension
How should I store megestrol?
Megestrol should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). Store it in a tightly closed container. Protect from excessive heat, such as temperatures higher than 104 F (40 C).
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of megestrol?
The most common side effects of megestrol are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or gas
- Trouble getting or keeping an erection or decreased sex drive
- Rash
- High blood pressure
- Feeling unusually weak or tired
- Trouble sleeping
- Headache
- Vaginal bleeding
- Weight gain due to increased appetite
There may be other side effects of megestrol that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of megestrol?
While less common, the most serious side effects of megestrol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Megestrol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking megestrol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Reduced Adrenal Function. Megestrol can cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone) while you are taking it or when you stop taking it. This is known as adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
- Low blood pressure
Cushing’s Syndrome. Rarely, taking megestrol for a long time may increase the risk for Cushing’s syndrome. This happens due to high levels of a hormone called cortisol. Stop taking megestrol and call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome.
- A rounded, rosy color of the face
- Weight gain, especially in the upper body
- A fat buildup in the upper back or base of the neck
- Thinning skin that bruises easily
- Feeling very weak or tired
- Depression or anxiety
- High blood sugar
- High blood pressure
- Sleeping problems
Increased Blood Sugar. Megestrol may increase your blood sugar levels, causing or worsening diabetes. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider to check your blood work. Call your healthcare provider if you develop the following symptoms of high blood sugar.
- Thirsty more than usual
- Peeing more than usual
- Increase in hunger
- Tiredness
- Feeling sick to your stomach
- Confusion
- Your breath smelling fruity
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use megestrol?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take megestrol.
- Megestrol
- Megace
- Megace ES
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific megestrol products they stock.
Pregnancy. Do not take megestrol if you are pregnant or think you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. See the Pregnancy section for more details.
What should I know about megestrol before using it?
Do not take megestrol unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
If you are prescribed megestrol oral liquid, you should shake it well before measuring each dose.
Do not share megestrol with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep megestrol out of the reach of children.
People who are 65 years of age or older may be at a greater risk for some side effects of megestrol. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.
If you are able to get pregnant, your healthcare provider will likely do a test to make sure you are not pregnant before you start taking megestrol. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns. See the Pregnancy section for details.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using megestrol?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if megestrol is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Diabetes
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Blood clots in your veins or arteries
- Infections
Other Medicines and Supplements. Megestrol may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking megestrol, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. Megestrol may cause harm to an unborn baby. You should use effective birth control while taking megestrol. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant while taking megestrol, talk with your healthcare provider.
Breastfeeding. Megestrol passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop megestrol.
Interactions
Does megestrol interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between megestrol and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect megestrol.
Does megestrol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using megestrol.
- Indinavir, which is a medicine for HIV or AIDS
- Warfarin, which is a blood thinner
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with megestrol. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much megestrol?
If you or someone else has used too much megestrol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of megestrol?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Megestrol?
This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.