Megestrol

Brand names: Megace®, Megace® ES

Chemical formula:

Drug Forms:
• Megestrol Acetate Oral suspension (below)
• Megestrol oral suspension
• Megestrol Acetate Oral tablet

Español:
• Acetato de Megestrol, Suspensión oral
• Suspensión oral de megestrol
• Acetato de Megestrol, Tableta oral

Megestrol Acetate Oral suspension

What is this medicine?

MEGESTROL 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?

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.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.