Megestrol (By mouth)

Megestrol Acetate (me-JES-trol AS-e-tate)

Treats cancer of the breast and uterus. Also treats anorexia, cachexia, or unexplained weight loss in patients with AIDS.

Brand Name(s):

Megace ES

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Tablets: For cancer treatment, you may need to take this medicine for at least 2 months before it starts to work.
• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake well before using.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how megestrol acetate works. Tell your doctor if you are using indinavir.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, your doctor may do tests to make sure you are not pregnant before starting this medicine.
• Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, adrenal gland problems (including Cushing syndrome), cancer, diabetes, an infection, mental problems, stomach or bowel problems, or a history of blood clots.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Adrenal gland problems
  • Diabetes
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred vision, severe headache, slow or fast heartbeat, lightheadedness, dizziness
• Changes in skin color, dark freckles, cold feeling, weakness, tiredness, weight loss
• Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
• Dry mouth, fruit-like breath odor, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
• Increased thirst, change in how much or how often you urinate
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body, pain in your lower leg
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Decreased interest in sexual intercourse, inability to have or keep an erection
• Stomach upset

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 4/23/2024