Generic name: megestrol [ meh-JESS-trol ]
Brand names: Megace ES, Megace
Dosage forms: oral suspension (40 mg/mL; 625 mg/5 mL); oral tablet (20 mg; 40 mg)
Drug classes:Hormones / antineoplastics, Progestins
What is megestrol?
Megestrol is used to treat loss of appetite and wasting syndrome in people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Megestrol is not for use in preventing weight loss or wasting syndrome.
Megestrol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Do not use if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use megestrol if you are allergic to it, or if you are pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
diabetes;
an adrenal gland disorder; or
a stroke or blood clot.
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
Do not use megestrol if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using megestrol. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
In animal studies, megestrol caused low birth weight and other problems when used during pregnancy. However, it is not known whether these effects would occur in humans. Ask your doctor about your risk.
Women with HIV or AIDS should not breastfeed a baby. Even if your baby is b...
