Megestrol Acetate



MegaceŽ; MegaceŽ ES







Megestrol Acetate

(me JES trole AS e tate)

U.S. Brand Names
MegaceŽ; MegaceŽ ES
Canadian Brand Names
Apo-MegestrolŽ; MegaceŽ; MegaceŽ OS; Nu-Megestrol
Pharmacologic Category
Antineoplastic Agent, Hormone; Appetite Stimulant; Progestin
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • Do not take this medicine during the first 4 months of pregnancy. Progestins may cause birth defects. Contact healthcare provider if you think you may be pregnant. This medicine does not prevent the spread of sexually-transmitted diseases.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to megestrol acetate or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used as an appetite stimulant.
  • This medicine is used to treat endometrial or breast cancer.
How does it work?
  • Progestins are produced by the body and are used for development of milk-producing glands and maintenance of the menstrual cycle.
  • Megestrol works in the brain to improve appetite.
  • It may decrease protein breakdown.
  • If used for cancer, megestrol changes other hormones and their actions. It may act directly on cancer cells.
How is it best taken?
  • Take tablet with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you have any circulation problems, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Use birth control that you can trust during treatment and for 1 month after treatment ends.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Mood change.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Headache.
  • Increased appetite.
  • Weight gain.
  • Hair loss. Hair usually grows back when medicine is stopped.
  • Impotence.
  • For females, menstrual changes. These include lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly.
  • Periodic breast (monthly self-exam) and yearly gynecologic exams are important.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs or symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or lack of interest in life.
  • Feeling extremely tired, weak, or irritable; trembling; having a fast heartbeat, confusion, sweating, or dizziness if you missed a dose or recently stopped this medicine.
  • Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.
  • Chest pain or pressure.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Swelling or pain of leg or arm.
  • Increased trips to the bathroom, increased thirst, or weight loss.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: