Precautions
Serious side effects, how do I stop taking megace? I have been taking megace 40mg twice a day for 15 days now to increase my appetite. It has barely worked for that and I am having side effects such as chest pain, major gas/bloating, fatigue, and heart palpation. I need to stop taking it but i don't want to risk my life doing it wrong
What are the side effects of Megace?
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. When you stop using megestrol after long-term use, you may have withdrawal symptomssuch as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or weakness. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.
What happens when you stop taking megestrol?
Do not use Megace if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant. In animal studies, megestrol caused low birth weight and other problems when used during pregnancy.
Can I take Megace If I am pregnant?
If you suspect an overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. You can get in touch with a poison control center at 800-222-1222. If you miss a dose of Megace, take it as soon as you remember. But skip the missed dose if it's almost time for your next scheduled dose.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Megace?
What happens when I stop taking megestrol?
Your appetite will return to normal when you stop taking megestrol. Blood clots may rarely occur. This is more likely to happen if you have had blood clots before. Signs to watch for include tenderness or hardness over a vein, calf tenderness, sudden onset of cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
Can you just stop taking megestrol?
Do not stop taking this medicine until your doctor tells you to do so. If you have taken this medicine for more than a year, you should slowly decrease the dose over a period of 2 to 3 weeks before you stop taking it.
Can stopping Megace affect your appetite?
Increased appetite This effect on your appetite will go away when you stop taking the drug. If you're worried about gaining weight, talk to your doctor or nurse. Sometimes megestrol is used to help improve appetite in people who have lost interest in food and are losing weight.
How long should you take Megace?
You usually take megestrol acetate once a day, at the same time each day. But sometimes the dose is divided up, so that you take the tablets a couple of times a day. When you start taking it you should take them for at least 2 months.
Why is Megace hazardous?
This product may pose a health hazard only if exposure occurs to liquid contents, e.g., after spill or leak. Overexposure to megestrol acetate, the active ingredient, may affect the developing fetus and impair fertility. Repeated overexposure may cause an increased risk of cancer based on the results of animal studies.
How safe is megestrol?
Megestrol acetate (MA) is neither safe nor effective for stimulating appetite in malnourished nursing home residents.
What does Terminal cachexia mean?
Overview. Cachexia (pronounced kuh-KEK-see-uh) is a “wasting” disorder that causes extreme weight loss and muscle wasting, and can include loss of body fat. This syndrome affects people who are in the late stages of serious diseases like cancer, HIV or AIDS, COPD, kidney disease, and congestive heart failure (CHF).
How long does it take Megace to stimulate appetite?
It may take up to 3 weeks to first notice an improved appetite. It may take up to 12 weeks to notice weight gain.
Does megestrol affect the kidneys?
Oral megestrol acetate (MA) should be used with caution in the management of protein-energy wasting in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and only when other treatment options are unavailable, researchers concluded from a systematic literature review.
Can Megace be used long term?
Conclusions: A substantial proportion of patients continue to use megestrol acetate for periods of up to 3 years or longer with continued control of hot flashes. This treatment appears to be relatively well tolerated.
Does Megace lower your immune system?
Megace (megestrol) is good for treating appetite and weight loss in people with advanced cancer or AIDS, without causing the side effects of steroids. Calms down your immune system.
Does Megace cause fatigue?
This does no harm, though it can be uncomfortable. Let your doctor or nurse know if you notice any swelling. The swelling will improve after your treatment ends. You may feel tired and lacking energy when having megestrol.
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use Megace if you are allergic to megestrol, or if you are pregnant.To make sure Megace is safe for you, tell your doctor if you hav...
How Should I Take Megace?
Take Megace exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Megace?
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Megace, especially: 1. dofetilide; or 2....
What happens if you stop Megace?
When you stop using Megace ES after long-term use, you may have withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or weakness. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.
What is Megace ES?
Megace ES ( megestrol) is a man-made chemical similar to the female hormone progesterone. Megace ES is used to treat loss of appetite and wasting syndrome in people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Megace ES is not for use in preventing weight loss or wasting syndrome.
Why does my medication need to change?
Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using only the form and strength your doctor prescribes. Your dosage needs may also change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have an infection.
Can you take Megace if you are allergic to Megestrol?
You should not use Megace ES if you are allergic to megestrol, or if you are pregnant. To make sure Megace ES is safe for you, 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.
Can you take Megace if you are pregnant?
Do not use Megace ES if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Before you take Megace ES, tell your doctor if you have diabetes or a history of stroke or blood clot.
Can megestrol cause low birth weight?
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.
How long can you take megestrol acetate?
How you have megestrol acetate. You have megestrol acetate as tablets. When you start taking it you should take them for at least 2 months. This is to find out if they are working. You can take them for many years.
How long after stopping a cancer drug can you take it?
Talk to your specialist or advice line before you stop taking a cancer drug. If you miss a dose and remember within a few hours , you can take it as soon as possible. But if it is almost time for your next dose, miss the forgotten dose and carry on as before.
Does megestrol acetate help cancer?
Megestrol can interfere with the hormone balance in the body so that the body makes smaller amounts of the hormones that some cancers depend on to grow. It may also interact with other hormones or have a direct effect on the cancer to stop it growing .
Can megestrol cause numbness in hand?
you might get pain in the area of the cancer, when you first start taking megestrol - your doctor or nurse can suggest painkillers to take. carpal tunnel syndrome can cause a weak grip, pain, numbness or tingling in your hand - tell your doctor.
Is megestrol acetate a man made hormone?
It is a man made version of the hormone progesterone. Progesterone is one of the female hormones but men also produce a small amount of it. Megestrol acetate is a treatment for the following cancers that have come back or spread from where they started. breast cancer. womb cancer.
How does megestrol work?
Megestrol is similar to the female sex hormone progesterone. It works by changing the hormone balance in the body, which may stop the cancer growing. It can also act directly on cancer cells so that they cannot grow.
What is megestrol used for?
What is megestrol (Megace®)? Megestrol (Megace ®) is a hormonal therapy drug used to treat breast and womb cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. This is called secondary cancer. It may also be used to treat breast and womb cancer that has come back after treatment (recurrent).
What to do if you are sick after taking a syringe?
If you are sick just after taking the tablets, contact your healthcare team. Do not take another dose. Get a new prescription before you run out of tablets, and make sure you have plenty for holidays. If your treatment is stopped, return any unused tablets to the pharmacist.
How to stop hot flushes?
There are things you can do to try to reduce flushes: Wear clothes made from natural fabrics, such as cotton. Wear layers of clothes that you can remove if you feel hot. Use cotton bed sheets and have layers of bedding that you can remove if you feel hot.
Can megestrol help with appetite?
Megestrol can also be used to improve your appetite . It is best to read this information with our general information about hormonal therapies and the type of cancer you have. Your doctor will talk to you about this treatment and its possible side effects before you agree ( consent) to have treatment.
Can cancer cause side effects?
Serious and life-threatening side effects. Some cancer treatments can cause severe side effects. Rarely, these may be life-threatening. Your cancer doctor or nurse can explain the risk of these side effects to you.
Can you get all the side effects of a cancer drug?
You may get some of the side effects we mention, but you are unlikely to get all of them. If you are also having treatment with other cancer drugs, you may have some side effects that we have not listed here. You will see a doctor, nurse or pharmacist regularly while you are having this treatment.
What to do if you overdose on Megace?
If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Megace (Megestrol) , call your doctor or the Poison Control center. (800) 222-1222. If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Megace (Megestrol), call 911. 911.
How to use Megace?
Use Megace (Megestrol) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Why does my medication need to change?
Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using only the form and strength your doctor prescribes. Your dosage needs may also change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have an infection.
What is the generic name for Megestrol?
Generic Name: Megestrol. This drug is obsolete. Last Updated: June 23, 2020. 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.
What are the side effects of a syringe?
nausea, gas, diarrhea; increased blood pressure; impotence, sexual problems; rash; or. weakness. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Can megestrol cause low birth weight?
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.
Can you breastfeed a baby with megestrol?
Do not use megestrol if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breastfeed a baby. Even if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast milk.
What is Megace ES?
What is megestrol (Megace, Megace ES)? 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.
What are the side effects of a syringe?
nausea, gas, diarrhea; increased blood pressure; impotence, sexual problems; rash; or. weakness. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Why does my medication need to change?
Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using only the form and strength your doctor prescribes. Your dosage needs may also change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have an infection.
Can you take megestrol while pregnant?
Do not use megestrol if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant. In animal studies, megestrol caused low birth weight and other problems when used during pregnancy.
Can you change your dosage of Megestrol?
Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor's advice. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. When you stop using megestrol after long-term use, you may have withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or weakness.
Does Multum cover all medical issues?
Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.
What are the side effects of Megace?
Serious side effects of Megace include. blood clots in legs and lungs and. worsening of existing diabetes or new onset diabetes. Drug interactions of Megace include indinavir, which reduces blood concentrations of Megace. An increase in the dose of Megace should be considered.
What is Megace used for?
Summary. Megace (megestrol) is a synthetic form of progesterone, a female hormone used to stimulate appetite in patients with AIDS who have a poor appetite or an unexplained significant weight loss. Megace is also used to treat breast cancer and weight loss associated with cancer. Common side effects of Megace include diarrhea, weight gain, nausea, ...
Does Megace help with weight loss?
Megace is also used to treat breast cancer and weight loss associated with cancer. Progesterone is a hormone produced by the body, especially in women, that helps control the menstrual period as well as other body functions. How Megace stimulates appetite or suppresses cancer is not understood. Common side effects of Megace include.
Can you take Megace while breastfeeding?
An increase in the dose of Megace should be considered. Megace may cause birth defects and should not be administered to pregnant women. Women should use contraception while taking Megace. Megace should not be used while breastfeeding due to potential adverse effects in the infant.
What is megestrol (Megace, Megace ES)?
Megestrol is used to treat loss of appetite and wasting syndrome in people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome ( AIDS ).
What are the possible side effects of megestrol (Megace, Megace ES)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
What is the most important information I should know about megestrol (Megace, Megace ES)?
Do not use if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking megestrol (Megace, Megace ES)?
You should not use megestrol if you are allergic to it, or if you are pregnant.
How should I take megestrol (Megace, Megace ES)?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
What happens if I miss a dose (Megace, Megace ES)?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose (Megace, Megace ES)?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
