- What is megestrol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What brand names are available for megestrol?
- Is megestrol available as a generic drug?
- Do I need a prescription for megestrol?
- What are the side effects of megestrol?
- What is the dosage for megestrol?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with megestrol?
- Is megestrol safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about megestrol?
What is megestrol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Megestrol is a synthetic female hormone belonging to the progesterone group. It is used for stimulating appetite and treating breast cancer. Progesterone is a hormone produced by the body, especially in women, that helps control the menstrual period as well as other body functions. How megestrol stimulates appetite or suppresses cancer is not understood. The FDA approved megestrol in September 1993.
What are the side effects of megestrol?
The most common side effects are:
- diarrhea,
- weight gain,
- nausea,
- rash,
- impotency,
- insomnia,
- mood swings,
- sweating,
- breakthrough menstrual bleeding,
- high blood pressure, and
- excess gas (flatulence).
Blood clots in legs and lungs may occur.
Megestrol may worsen existing diabetes or lead to new onset diabetes.
Quick GuideBreast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
What is the dosage for megestrol?
The recommended dose for stimulating appetite is 800 mg per day of the regular megestrol suspension (40 mg/ml) or 625 mg per day of the ES formulation (125 mg/ml). Breast cancer is treated with 40 mg four times daily.
Is megestrol safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Megestrol may cause birth defects and should not be administered to pregnant women. Women should use contraception while taking megestrol.
Megestrol should not be used while breastfeeding due to potential adverse effects in the infant.
What else should I know about megestrol?
What preparations of megestrol are available?
Tablets: 20 and 40 mg. Oral suspension: 40 mg/mL or 125 mg/mL.
How should I keep megestrol stored?
Megestrol should be stored in a dry place at room temperature, 15 C-25 C (59 F-77 F).
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Quick GuideBreast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Summary
Megestrol (Megace, Megace ES) is a drug prescribed for stimulating the appetite in patients with AIDS who have poor appetite or an unexplained significant weight loss. This medication is also used for treating breast cancer and weight loss associated with cancer. Side effects, drug interactions, and pregnancy safety should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
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Breast cancer is an invasive tumor that develops in the mammary gland. Breast cancer is detected via mammograms, breast self-examination (BSE), biopsy, and specialized testing on breast cancer tissue. Treatment of breast cancer may involve surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Breast cancer risk may be lowered by managing controllable risk factors.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions occur frequently. Get facts about the types of drug interactions, what substances or other things that may interact with drugs such as OTC drug and prescription drugs, vitamins, food(s) (grapefruit), and laboratory tests. Find out how to protect yourself from potential drug interactions.Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs
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Paget's disease is a rare form of cancer that forms in or around the nipple and frequently coexists with breast cancer. The exact cause of Paget's disease is unknown. Symptoms and signs include redness, scaling, and flaking of the nipple skin. A biopsy and imaging studies are needed to diagnose the disease. Treatment may include surgery, radiation, and adjuvant therapy.tamoxifen
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