What is megestrol?
Megestrol is a man-made chemical similar to the female hormone progesterone.
Megestrol is used to treat loss of appetite and weight loss in people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Megestrol is also used in the treatment of advanced breast cancer and endometrial cancer.
Megestrol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about megestrol?
Megestrol can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use megestrol if you are pregnant.
Before you take megestrol, tell your doctor if you have diabetes or a history of stroke or blood clot.
Your dosage needs may change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have an infection. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor's advice.
Megace ES contains a higher concentration of megestrol than Megace. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about the medicine you receive at the pharmacy.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking megestrol?
You should not use megestrol if you are allergic to it, or if you are pregnant.
To make sure you can safely take megestrol, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use megestrol if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use effective birth control while you are using this medication.
It is not known whether megestrol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking megestrol.