Megace (Megestrol)

MEGACE comes as a tablet, liquid, or concentrated liquid (MEGACE ES) to take by mouth.

The tablets and liquid are typically taken several times a day.

MEGACE ES is usually taken once a day.

Try to take this drug around the same time each day for optimal benefits.

Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. Don't take more or less MEGACE than your doctor recommends.

Shake the liquid forms of the medicine well before using. Measure the liquid doses with a special measuring spoon or medicine cup. Ask your pharmacist if you don't have this item.

MEGACE ES and MEGACE (liquid or tablet) contain different concentrations of megestrol. Don't switch from one form to another without first talking to your doctor.

MEGACE Overdose

If you suspect an overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Missed Dose of MEGACE

If you miss a dose of MEGACE, take it as soon as you remember.

But skip the missed dose if it's almost time for your next scheduled dose.

Don't take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Common Side Effects of MEGACE

Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects become severe or don't go away:

• Unexpected vaginal bleeding

• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

• Mild skin rash

• Gas

• Mild nausea

• Weight gain

Serious Side Effects of MEGACE

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

• Severe nausea

• Vomiting

• Dizziness

• Severe weakness

• Blurred vision

• Frequent urination

• Extreme thirst or hunger

• Thinning skin

• Easy bruising

• Increased acne or facial hair

• Difficulty breathing

• Leg pain

• Sharp, crushing chest pain or chest heaviness

• Sudden cough or coughing up blood

• Wheezing

• Weakness or numbness of an arm or leg

• Pain, warmth, swelling, or redness in one or both legs

• Slow or difficult speech

• Decreased sexual desire

• Impotence

MEGACE shouldn't be given to prevent weight loss or improve appetite in people who don't have AIDS or those who haven't yet developed the disease.

Before taking MEGACE, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• An adrenal gland disorder
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Blood clot
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Allergies to medications

MEGACE may cause changes in a woman's normal menstrual period. Talk to your doctor if this is a concern.

Tell your doctor you're taking this drug before having any type of surgery, including a dental procedure.

Your dose of MEGACE may need to be changed if you have surgery, become ill, have an infection, or are under a lot of stress. Don't change your dose without first talking to your physician.

MEGACE can pass into body fluids such as urine, feces, vomit, semen, and vaginal fluid. Wear rubber gloves when cleaning up these fluids or changing a diaper. Wash your hands before and after.

Pregnancy and MEGACE

MEGACE can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Don't take this medicine if you're pregnant.

Also, pregnant women shouldn't handle the body fluids of someone who takes MEGACE.

Be sure to use effective birth control methods to prevent pregnancy while taking MEGACE. Talk to your doctor about birth control options.

It's not known whether the medicine passes into breast milk or could harm a breastfeeding baby. Don't breastfeed while taking MEGACE without talking to your doctor first.

Tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you're taking, especially:

• Antibiotics
• Crixivan (indinavir)
• Tikosyn (dofetilide)