What is Megace/Megestrol Acetate used for?

This medicine is used to treat advanced cancer of the breast or endometrium. It is used in patients who cannot have surgery or in whom the cancer recurs or has spread to other organs. It should not be used to treat other types of cancer or in place of surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Megace/Megestrol Acetate be stored?

Store at 77 degrees F. Avoid exposure to temperatures above 104 degrees F.

General drug information:

When should Megace/Megestrol Acetate not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine

What precautions should I follow when taking Megace/Megestrol Acetate?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have blood clots in the legs, lungs, eyes, or a history of these conditions if you have diabetes if you have had a stroke if you have any other medical condition

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Megace/Megestrol Acetate?

Fatal cases of thrombophlebitis and pulmonary embolism have been reported in patients using this medicine.

What are the side effects of Megace/Megestrol Acetate?

Most severe:  Breakthrough bleeding in women; difficulty breathing; tumor flare.

Most common:  Weight gain; increased appetite; nausea; vomiting; swelling; excessive hunger, thirst, or urination; hair loss; carpal tunnel syndrome; mood swings; hot flashes; general body discomfort; weakness; lack of energy; sweating; rash.

Other:  Intolerance to carbohydrates.

How should I take Megace/Megestrol Acetate?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Carefully read the information provided with this medicine and reread it each time you get this prescription refilled. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Women of childbearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant while using this medicine. Use effective birth control methods while taking this medicine. Notify your health care provider if you become pregnant. Contact your health care provider at once if lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, or any other side effects occur while you are taking this medicine. Diabetes patients -- This medicine may affect your blood sugar level. Your doctor may need to change the dose of diabetes medicine you are taking. Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medication. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Contact your health care provider if you feel you have taken too much of this medicine. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your doctor. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.