Megestrol Acetate Medication Summary
No separate FDA Medication Guide was found for this label. This summary is based on FDA/DailyMed prescribing information.
What is this medication?
Megestrol Acetate is described in FDA/DailyMed prescribing information. No separate FDA Medication Guide was found for this label. This summary is based on FDA/DailyMed prescribing information.
What is this medication used for?
Megestrol acetate tablets are indicated for the palliative treatment of advanced carcinoma of the breast or endometrium (i.e., recurrent, inoperable, or metastatic disease). It should not be used in lieu of currently accepted procedures such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
What should I know before taking it?
History of hypersensitivity to megestrol acetate or any component of the formulation.
What important warnings are listed?
Megestrol acetate may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Fertility and reproduction studies with high doses of megestrol acetate have shown a reversible feminizing effect on some male rat fetuses. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking (receiving) this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant. The use of megestrol acetate in other types of neoplastic disease is not recommended. (See also PRECAUTIONS, Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of.
How is this medication usually taken?
Breast Cancer: 160 mg/day (40 mg qid). Endometrial Carcinoma: 40 to 320 mg/day in divided doses. At least 2 months of continuous treatment is considered an adequate period for determining the efficacy of megestrol acetate tablets.
What side effects are listed?
ADVERSE REACTIONS Weight Gain Weight gain is a frequent side effect of megestrol acetate. This gain has been associated with increased appetite and is not necessarily associated with fluid retention. Thromboembolic Phenomena Thromboembolic phenomena including thrombophlebitis and pulmonary embolism (in some cases fatal) have been reported. Glucocorticoid Effects (See WARNINGS section.) Other Adverse Reactions Heart failure, nausea and vomiting, edema, breakthrough menstrual bleeding, dyspnea, tumor flare (with or without hypercalcemia), hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance, alopecia, hypertension, carpal tunnel syndrome, mood changes, hot flashes, malaise, asthenia, lethargy, sweating and.
What interactions are listed?
The FDA/DailyMed label should be reviewed for complete details.
Where can I find the official prescribing information?
Review the full prescribing information on DailyMed: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=66573d39-f2a7-49fd-9ed2-97ac8f6e8456
⚠️ Disclaimer
This summary is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other licensed healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medicine. Read full medical disclaimer.