Megestrol
Megestrol Acetate Oral suspension
What is this medicine?
MEGESTROL (me JES trol) suspension improves appetite and helps cause weight gain. It is used in conditions that cause significant loss of appetite and weight, such as AIDS.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
adrenal gland problems
history of blood clots of the legs, lungs, or other parts of the body
diabetes
kidney disease
liver disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to megestrol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care provider regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss or forget a single dose, continue with your next regularly scheduled dose on the next day. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
dofetilide
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
carbamazepine
indinavir
phenobarbital
phenytoin
primidone
rifampin
warfarin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may take up to 3 weeks to first notice an improved appetite. It may take up to 12 weeks to notice weight gain.
If you are a female of child-bearing age, use an effective method of birth control while you are taking this medicine. This medicine should not be used by females who are pregnant or breast-feeding. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child or to an infant. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.
This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
chest pain
dizziness
fluid retention
increased blood pressure
leg pain or swelling
nausea, vomiting
weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
breakthrough menstrual bleeding
diarrhea
gas
hot flashes or flushing
sexual difficulties in men
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Keep tightly closed. Protect from heat. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Megestrol Acetate Oral tablet
What is this medicine?
MEGESTROL (me JES trol) belongs to a class of drugs known as progestins. Megestrol tablets are used to treat advanced breast or endometrial cancer.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
adrenal gland problems
history of blood clots of the legs, lungs, or other parts of the body
diabetes
kidney disease
liver disease
stroke
an unusual or allergic reaction to megestrol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
dofetilide
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
carbamazepine
indinavir
phenobarbital
phenytoin
primidone
rifampin
warfarin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Continue taking this medicine even if you feel better. It may take 2 months of regular use before you know if this medicine is working for your condition.
If you are a female of child-bearing age, use an effective method of birth control while you are taking this medicine. This medicine should not be used by females who are pregnant or breast-feeding. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child or to an infant. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.
If you have diabetes, this medicine may affect blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar and talk to your doctor or health care professional if you notice changes.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
chest pain
dizziness
fluid retention
increased blood pressure
leg pain or swelling
nausea and vomiting
skin rash or itching
weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
breakthrough menstrual bleeding
hot flashes or flushing
increased appetite
mood changes
sweating
weight gain
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at controlled room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from heat above 40 degrees C (104 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Updated:
March 21, 2017
Sources:
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert