Megestrol Acetate

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used for the treatment endometrial or breast cancers that have spread.
• It can also be used as an appetite stimulant.

How does it work?

• Progestins are produced naturally by the body.
• In cancer, megestrol changes other hormones and their actions. It may act directly on cancer cells.

How is it best taken?

• Take the tablet with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
• A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given. Shake well first.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Tell healthcare provider if you have had a history of blood clots in legs, arms, or lungs or history of a stroke.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust during and for 1 month after therapy.
• Do not use if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Nausea. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Swelling of feet or bloated feeling, increased appetite, weight gain.
• Changes in vaginal bleeding.
• Hair loss.
• Mood changes, hot flashes, or sweating.

What should I monitor?

• Periodic breast and gynecologic exams are important.
• Check blood pressure regularly.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Swelling/pain of a leg or arm, sudden shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain.
• Increased trips to the bathroom, thirsty, or weight loss.
• Feeling weak, tired, angry, shaking, having rapid heartbeats, confusion, sweating, or dizzy.
• Menstrual changes. This includes lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.
• Any rash.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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