Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: MEGESTROL SUSPENSION - 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: Megestrol suspension is 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, cancer treatment, treatment of an enlarged prostate gland in men, or ob/gyn conditions (e.g., endometriosis).

HOW TO USE: Shake well before each dose and take exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause diarrhea, impotence, rash, flatulence (gas), weight gain, increased thirst, and increased appetite. If any adverse effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Though less likely to occur, notify your doctor if you experience any of the following: abdominal pain, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, constipation, dry mouth or increased salivation, liver problems, oral lesions, weakness, water retention, mood changes, breathing problems, hair loss, itching, vision problems, increased urination, blood clots. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver disease, stomach or abdominal problems, 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 or dentists of your megestrol use or when you stopped using it. After stopping this drug, additional corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone) may be necessary during 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.