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MEGESTROL (me JES trol) treats loss of appetite and weight loss in people with chronic conditions. This medication is a progestin hormone.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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Take this medication by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medication. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your care team's advice.
Contact your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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Do not take this medication with any of the following:
-Dofetilide
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Indinavir
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. It may take up to 3 weeks to first notice an improved appetite. It may take up to 12 weeks to notice weight gain.
Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects. You need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. Use an effective method of contraception while you are taking this medication.
This medication may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your care team before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medication.
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If you miss or forget a single dose, continue with your next regularly scheduled dose on the next day. Do not take double or extra doses.
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Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-Cushing syndrome—increased fat around the midsection, upper back, neck, or face, pink or purple stretch marks on the skin, thinning, fragile skin that easily bruises, unexpected hair growth
-High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
-Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Change in sex drive or performance
-Diarrhea
-Gas
-Trouble sleeping
-Unusual weakness or fatigue
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Avoid exposure to heat. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
-Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix it with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or another unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
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