Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: megestrol
BRAND NAME: Megace, Megace ES
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Megestrol is in the class of
drugs
used to fight cancer (antineoplastic) and is a synthetic female
hormone
belonging to the progesterone group. Progesterone is a hormone
produced by
the body, especially the female, that helps controls the
menstrual period
among other body functions.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 20 and
40 mg.
Oral suspension: 40 mg per each l ml. Megace
ES
oral suspension: 625 mg/5 mL
STORAGE: Store in a dry place at room temperature. The
oral
suspension should be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly
sealed
container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Treatment for breast cancer and
endometrial
carcinoma (cancer of the uterus). It is usually not used as
the only
treatment but in addition to other cancer therapy. Megestrol is
also used
for people that have difficulty in maintaining weight in
patients with
AIDS. For this use megestrol is an appetite stimulant and has
thus far
only been used in women.
DOSING: Megestrol is given in doses through the day for several
months
as treatment for cancer. Doses up to 800 mg daily have
been used for
weight loss. Megestrol can be taken with or without food. Better
absorption and blood levels maybe achieved if taken without
food. If using
the oral suspension it should be shaken (not stirred!) before
use.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Megestrol will stimulate the
appetite and
weight gain is common. This is not water retention but a result
of eating
more food.
PREGNANCY: This medication may cause birth defects if you are pregnant.
It can also interfere with normal hormones and should not be taken if breast
feeding. Never use if you are capable of
becoming
pregnant. Therefore, birth control measures are mandatory if a woman is still fertile while using megestrol.
NURSING MOTHERS: This medication should not be taken if
breast
feeding.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects are nausea,
rash,
impotency, hypertension and the production of excess gas
(flatulence).
Less common are insomnia and headache. Increased doses increase
the side
effects.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 10/16/2005
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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