• Do not take this medicine during pregnancy. Progestins may cause birth defects. Contact healthcare provider if you think you may be pregnant. This medicine does not prevent the spread of sexually-transmitted diseases.
• This medicine does not mix well with some medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.
• If you have an allergy to megestrol acetate or any other part of this medicine.
• 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, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
• If you are breast-feeding.
• Progestins are produced by the body and are used for development of milk-producing glands and maintenance of the menstrual cycle.
• Megestrol works in the brain to improve appetite.
• It may decrease protein breakdown.
• If used for cancer, megestrol changes other hormones and their actions. It may act directly on cancer cells.
• Take tablet with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Periodic breast (monthly self-exam) and yearly gynecologic exams are important.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.
• Store at room temperature.
• Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
Created: 2006-10-13 14:02:36.0
Modified: 2010-03-25 12:04:51.0
Lexi-PALS TM © (1977)-(2007) Lexi-Comp, Inc. All rights reserved.
• This medicine is used as an appetite stimulant.
• This medicine is used to treat endometrial or breast cancer.
• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
• 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.
• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you have been taking this medicine for several weeks, talk with healthcare provider before stopping. You may want to gradually withdraw this medicine.
• There are two different liquids available, make sure you have the right one.
• If you have any circulation problems, talk with healthcare provider.
• If you have diabetes, talk with healthcare provider.
• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine and for 1 month after stopping this medicine.
• Mood changes.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
• High blood pressure.
• Headache.
• Increased appetite.
• Weight gain.
• Hair loss. Hair usually grows back when medicine is stopped.
• Impotence.
• Menstrual changes. These include lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.
• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs or symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or lack of interest in life.
• Feeling extremely tired, weak, or irritable; trembling; having a fast heartbeat, confusion, sweating, or dizziness if you missed a dose or recently stopped this medicine.
• Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Swelling or pain of leg or arm.
• Increased trips to the bathroom, increased thirst, or weight loss.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
