Megestrol Tablets

What is this medication?

MEGESTROL (me JES trol) reduces the symptoms of breast or endometrial cancer. It works by decreasing levels of estrogen and other hormones in your body, which may slow or stop cancer cells from spreading or growing. 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.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Megace

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Adrenal gland problems
• Diabetes
• History of blood clots of the legs, lungs, or other parts of the body
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Stroke
• An unusual or allergic reaction to megestrol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your care team.

Talk to 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.

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 may interact with this medication?

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.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Continue taking this medication even if you feel better. It may take 2 months of regular use before you know if this medication is working for your condition.

Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy. A negative pregnancy test is required before starting this medication. Effective contraception is recommended during treatment.

If you have diabetes, this medication may affect blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar and talk to your care team if you notice changes.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

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
• Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
• 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
• Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
• Increase in blood pressure
• 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):

• Hair loss
• Hot flashes
• Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Weight gain

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.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at controlled room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from heat above 40 degrees C (104 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

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.