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| Pronunciation |
|
 (me
JES trole AS e
tate) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Megace® |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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Antineoplastic Agent, Miscellaneous; Progestin |
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| What key warnings should I know
about before taking this
medicine? |
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- This medication should not be used during the first four months of
pregnancy. Progestins may cause birth defects to your unborn child. Contact your
healthcare provider if you think you may be
pregnant.
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to megestrol or any other part of the medicine.
- If you are pregnant.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine is used for the treatment endometrial or breast cancers
that have spread.
- It can also be used as an appetite
stimulant.
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| How does it work? |
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- Progestins are produced naturally by the body.
- In cancer, megestrol changes other hormones and their actions. It may
act directly on cancer cells.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- Take the tablet with or without food. Take with food if this medicine
causes an upset stomach.
- A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those
who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before
and after medicine is given. Shake well
first.
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra
doses.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
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- Tell healthcare provider if you have had a history of blood clots in
legs, arms, or lungs or history of a stroke.
- 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, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control
that you can trust during and for 1 month after therapy.
- Do not use if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
- Nausea. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy,
or chewing gum may help.
- Swelling of feet or bloated feeling, increased appetite, weight gain.
- Changes in vaginal bleeding.
- Hair loss.
- Mood changes, hot flashes, or
sweating.
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| What should I monitor? |
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- Periodic breast and gynecologic exams are important.
- Check blood pressure regularly.
- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
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- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Swelling/pain of a leg or arm, sudden shortness of breath, difficulty
breathing, chest pain.
- Increased trips to the bathroom, thirsty, or weight loss.
- Feeling weak, tired, angry, shaking, having rapid heartbeats,
confusion, sweating, or dizzy.
- Menstrual changes. This includes lots of bleeding, spotting, or
bleeding between cycles.
- Any rash.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
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- Store in a tight container at room
temperature.
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| General statements |
|
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- 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.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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