Medicines and Drugs
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Megestrol acetate oral
Drug Name Megestrol acetate oral
Megestrol acetate oral Drug Category MEGESTROL - ORAL
Megestrol acetate oral Drug Information
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
MEGESTROL - ORAL
(meh-JESS-troll)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Megace
WARNING: This medication is not recommended for use during the first 4 months of pregnancy because birth defects may occur. Megestrol has not been proven to prevent miscarriages that occur early in the pregnancy. Often, the cause of an early miscarriage 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.
USES: This drug is used to treat certain types of cancer. It may also be used for other reasons as determined by your doctor.
HOW TO USE: Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication can cause changes in appetite, thirst or weight, diarrhea, constipation, frequent urination, swelling of ankles or feet, increased rate or difficulty breathing or some loss of scalp hair. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor if you experience: changes in vaginal bleeding or discharge, severe or sudden vision changes, headache, loss of coordination, slurred speech, trouble breathing, weakness or numbness in arms or legs, skin rash or itching, pain (in the stomach, side, chest, groin, arm, leg, or especially calf pain). If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: liver disease, depression, incomplete abortion, unusual vaginal bleeding, suspected pregnancy, blood clotting problems, diabetes, any allergies. This drug may decrease adrenal gland activity. Therefore, tell your doctors and dentists of your megestrol use and when you stopped using it. After stopping this drug, additional corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone) may be necessary in stress situations such as trauma, major surgery or serious infection. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Symptoms of adrenal problems include unusual weakness, fever, dizziness, nausea and rapid weight loss. Contraceptive (birth control) measures are recommended for use while using this medication. Megestrol is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before taking this drug. Megestrol may be excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential of harm to the infant, nursing should be stopped while using this drug.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: Regular doctor visits are important to see how well the medication is working and to check for any side effects including blood sugar.
MISSED DOSE: Take any missed dose as soon as possible but not if it is almost time for the next dose. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not "double up" the dose.
STORAGE: Store this medication at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not expose to temperatures above 104 degrees F (40 degrees C). Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).