Megestrol
Information about Megestrol
Megestrol uses
Megestrol is used in breast cancer and endometrial cancer. It specifically helps treat breast and endometrial cancer that are hormone dependent. It may also be used for treating low appetite and weight loss in patients with advanced cancer or HIV.
How megestrol works
Megestrol is a progestin (female hormone). It works in patients with breast cancer and endometrial cancer by affecting female hormones involved in cancer growth. It causes weight gain by increasing appetite.
Common side effects of megestrol
Weight gain, Constipation, Edema (swelling), Breathlessness, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Cushing syndrome, Weakness, Thrombophlebitis, Impotence, Chest pain, Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting, Headache, Rash, Pain, Pneumonia, Fever, Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Abdominal pain, Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease), Dryness in mouth, Hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), Decreased white blood cell count (lymphocytes), Increased lactate level in blood, Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation), Confusion, Convulsion, Hair loss, Lazy eye, Breast enlargement in male, Urinary tract infection, Pulmonary embolism, Tumor flare
Available Medicine for Megestrol
Expert advice for Megestrol
- Megestrol is used to treat women with certain hormone-dependent cancers such as breast cancer and endometrial cancer.
- It may also be used for treating appetite and weight loss in people with advanced cancer or AIDS.
- You may have to take it for atleast 2 months before you notice any changes in your appetite.
- Your doctor might do regular blood tests to check your hormones and blood sugar levels while you are taking this medicine.
- Do not take Megestrol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Inform your doctor immediately if you notice unexplained swelling and pain in your limbs, shortness of breath, chest pain, severe headache, or changes in vision. These could be symptoms of a blood clot in a vein.
- Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor first.
Frequently asked questions for Megestrol
Megestrol
Q. Does Megestrol make you gain weight?
Yes, Megestrol may cause weight gain as a very common side effect. Weight gain could be due to an increase in appetite which leads to an overall increase in fat and body cell mass. Consult your doctor if you experience excessive weight gain. It is commonly used to treat malnutrition, loss of appetite and severe weight loss in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, it is not intended for preventive use to avoid weight loss.
Q. When should I take Megestrol?
You can take Megestrol at any time of the day. However, you should take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow it whole with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day since this helps you to remember taking it. Check with your doctor if you are not sure.
Q. Does Megestrol stop periods?
No, Megestrol does not stop periods. However, it may interfere with your normal menstrual cycle. It may cause break-through bleeding and therefore has limited use in HIV infected women. Consult your doctor in case you experience breakthrough bleeding during the treatment with Megestrol.