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Megestrol

Megestrol

Megestrol belongs to a group of medications known as progestogens. Megestrol is used to treat Prostate Cancer because testosterone is needed by prostate cancer cells for growth.

Available form

Capsule

Dosage

20mg, 40mg, 160mg

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Megestrol information

Dosage

Side Effects

Available Form

Contraindications

Precautions

Warnings

The recommended dose depends on the condition being treated and body weight.

For people with prostate cancer, the recommended dose is 120 mg taken as a single daily dose in combination with diethylstilbestrol 0.1 mg.

For people with Breast Cancer, the usual dose is 160 mg daily. This dose may be divided into 4 equal doses of 40 mg.

For people with cancer of the endometrium, the usual dose is 80 mg to 320 mg daily, which can be divided into 40 mg tablets taken 2 to 4 times daily, or 160 mg tablets taken 1 to 2 times daily.

For people with cancer or AIDS and appetite loss, muscle wasting, or significant weight loss, the usual adult dose is 400 mg to 800 mg as a single daily dose. People with AIDS usually use the liquid form of Megestrol. Shake the liquid well before measuring the dose.

The effectiveness of megestrol acetate can be assessed after 2 months have passed following the start of therapy.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Megestrol can be taken with or without food.

Use an oral syringe to measure each dose of the liquid, as it gives a more accurate measurement than household teaspoons.

It is important to take Megestrol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

The tablets and liquid should be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Megestrol. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Megestrol with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Megestrol. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

Constipation
Diarrhea
hair loss
increased appetite
mild blood pressure increase
mood changes
nausea or vomiting
swelling of the face, ankles, or feet
weight gain

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

breast enlargement
changes in vaginal bleeding
decreased hearing
decreased interest or ability in sexual activity
Depression
filling or rounding out of face
hot flushes
impotence
increased flow of breast milk
increased urination
loss of appetite
mood changes
rash
shortness of breath
symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., frequent urination, increased thirst, excessive eating, unexplained weight loss, poor wound healing, infections, fruity breath odour)
unusual tiredness or weakness

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

signs of Stroke (e.g., sudden or severe headache; sudden loss of coordination; vision changes; sudden slurring of speech; or unexplained weakness, numbness, or pain in arm or leg)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Megestrol.

Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Megestrol.

Blood Clots: Megestrol may increase the chance of blood clot formation, which will cause blood flow to organs or to the extremities to be reduced.

If you have a history of clotting, you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood clot-related problems such as Heart Attack, stroke, or clots in the deep veins of your leg. Discuss with your doctor how Megestrol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Megestrol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.

Diabetes: Megestrol acetate may cause a loss of control of diabetes by increasing blood sugar levels and changing glucose tolerance. If you have diabetes, you may find it necessary to monitor your blood sugar more frequently while using Megestrol.

If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Megestrol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Megestrol, and whether any special monitoring is needed. You may need to check your blood glucose levels more often.

Kidney Disease: Kidney disease or reduced kidney function may cause Megestrol to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how Megestrol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Megestrol, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Megestrol.

Osteoporosis: Long-term use of Megestrol can increase the risk of osteoporosis (brittle bones). Talk to your doctor about ways to help prevent osteoporosis. Your doctor will monitor your bone density if you take Megestrol for a long period of time.

Pregnancy: Megestrol acetate is not recommended for use during the first 4 months of pregnancy. Women should use effective birth control when taking megestrol. If you become pregnant while taking megestrol, tell your doctor right away.

Breast-feeding: Megestrol may pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking megestrol acetate, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Megestrol have not been established for children.

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