Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: MEGESTROL - ORAL (meh-JESS-troll)

BRAND NAME(S): Megace

Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: This drug is used to treat certain types of cancer and is also used to stimulate appetite in patients with certain types of significant weight loss (e.g., muscle wasting).

OTHER USES: This medication may also be used for pregnancy prevention, treatment of an enlarged prostate gland in men, or ob/gyn conditions (e.g., endometriosis).

HOW TO USE: Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication can cause changes in appetite, thirst or weight, diarrhea, constipation, frequent urination, swelling of ankles or feet, increased rate or difficulty breathing or some loss of scalp hair. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor if you experience: changes in vaginal bleeding or discharge, severe or sudden vision changes, headache, loss of coordination, slurred speech, trouble breathing, weakness or numbness in arms or legs, skin rash or itching, pain (in the stomach, side, chest, groin, arm, leg, or especially calf pain). If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: liver disease, depression, incomplete abortion, unusual vaginal bleeding, suspected pregnancy, blood clotting problems, diabetes, any allergies. This drug may decrease adrenal gland activity. Therefore, tell your doctors and dentists of your megestrol use and when you stopped using it. After stopping this drug, additional corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone) may be necessary in stress situations such as trauma, major surgery or serious infection. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Symptoms of adrenal problems include unusual weakness, fever, dizziness, nausea and rapid weight loss. This medication must not be used during pregnancy. Megestrol may cause fetal harm. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Women of child-bearing age should use an effective form of birth control while using this medication. Consult your doctor for more details. Megestrol may be excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential of harm to the infant, nursing should be stopped while using this drug.