--Information on Megestrol Acetate

Megestrol Acetate

Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects.

Suspension
Chemical Name: MEGESTROL (me-JESS-trole)

Common uses
This medicine is a progestin used to treat loss of appetite, weight loss, and malnutrition that may occur with certain conditions. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using
WARNING: This medicine must not be used during pregnancy because birth defects may occur. Megestrol has not been proven to prevent natural abortions that occur early in the pregnancy. Often, the cause of an early natural abortion is due to a defective female egg.

Using this drug does not fix a defective egg and may get in the way of expelling it. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR

OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking rifampin. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including diabetes, any allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of pulmonary embolism. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. SHAKE WELL before taking a dose. Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure this dose. This medicine may be taken either on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

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Cautions
DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. While you are using megestrol or while you are being taken off megestrol, your body may not produce enough natural steroids. You may need to start taking additional corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone) especially if your body is stressed due to a major infection, surgery, or injury; therefore, CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if any of the following side effects occur: unusual weakness, weight loss, or dizziness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and inform them that you use (or have used) megestrol. USE A NON-HORMONAL METHOD OF BIRTH CONTROL if you are a woman capable of becoming pregnant. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

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Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include changes in appetite, thirst, or weight; frequent urination; decreased sexual ability; gas; indigestion; or difficulty sleeping. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

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Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other.

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If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

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Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.