Brand Name(s): Megace
Generic Name Megestrol
What are megestrol tablets?
MEGESTROL (Megace®, Pallace®) is similar to the natural female hormone called progesterone. Megestrol tablets are used for treating breast cancer and endometrial cancer. Generic megestrol tablets are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•a history of adrenal gland problems
•a history of blood clotting in the blood vessels of the legs, lungs or other parts of the body
•diabetes
•liver disease
•menstrual bleeding problems
•vaginal bleeding
•an unusual or allergic reaction to megestrol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take megestrol tablets by mouth, Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your doctor or health care professional, even if the tablets make you feel unwell. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with megestrol?
•carbamazepine
•dofetilide
•fosphenytoin
•medicines used to treat diabetes
•indinavir
•phenobarbital
•phenytoin
•primidone
•rifampin
•rifabutin
•rifapentine
•warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking megestrol?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•difficulty breathing
•chest pain
•fluid retention or swelling
•increased blood pressure
•leg pain or swelling
•nausea and vomiting
•unusual fatigue, weakness or dizziness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
More Common:
•breakthrough menstrual bleeding (females)
•hot flashes or flushing
•sexual difficulties (men)
•weight gain
Less common:
•breast tenderness (men and women)
•hair loss
•increased blood sugar
•skin rash
What should I watch for while taking megestrol?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Continue taking megestrol even if you feel better. It may take 2 months of regular use before you know if this medicine is working for your condition. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
You may have an increased appetite and put on weight. Discuss this with your prescriber if it is a problem. Discuss any unusual or unpleasant side effects with your prescriber.
If you are a female of child-bearing age, use an effective method of birth-control while you are taking megestrol.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at controlled room temperature, 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Protect from heat; do not expose to temperatures above 40 degrees C (104 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:07/13/2005 |
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