What is megestrol acetate prescribed for?

Megestrol suspension is used to treat loss of appetite, malnutrition, and severe weight loss in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Megestrol should not be used to prevent loss of appetite and severe weight loss in patients who have not yet developed this condition.

What are the side effects of taking megestrol?

Side Effects Trouble sleeping, fever, gas, decreased sexual ability/desire, weight gain, changes in appetite, or upset stomach may occur. Women may have changes in their menstrual periods, including unpredictable bleeding. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Will megestrol make you sleepy?

You may feel tired and lacking energy when having megestrol. Take it easy if you feel tired. Try to strike a balance between periods of rest and some physical activity. Some people feel nauseous, especially during the first weeks after starting to take megestrol.

How long does it take for megestrol acetate to give u an appetite?

Patients will typically improve their appetite within the first few weeks after starting the drug. Weight gain, often in the form of fat, may take longer. Resistance exercise traing coupled with the weight gain may lead to improved lean muscle mass. A typical treatment duration may be 12 weeks.

Is megestrol a chemo drug?

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).

Is megestrol acetate a steroid?

Chemistry. MGA, also known as 17α-acetoxy-6-dehydro-6-methylprogesterone or as 17α-acetoxy-6-methylpregna-4,6-diene-3,20-dione, is a synthetic pregnane steroid and a derivative of progesterone.

Why is megestrol a high risk medication?

Use of megestrol acetate results in minimal improvements in appetite and weight gain, no improvement in quality of life or survival, and increased risk of thrombotic events, fluid retention, and death.

What are the side effects of megestrol 40 mg?

Common side effects of Megace include:

  • weight gain,
  • changes in appetite,
  • stomach upset,
  • diarrhea,
  • gas,
  • skin rash,
  • trouble sleeping (insomnia),
  • weakness,

Why is Megace hazardous?

It has properties that interfere with the normal estrogen cycle. This interferes with the stimulation of cell growth in estrogen dependent tumor cells. There is also thought to be some direct effect on the lining of the uterine wall (endometrium). A side effect of megestrol has been weight gain.

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.

Is Quetiapine a high risk medication?

Preferred drugs include: aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone Highest Risk Medications Reason to Avoid Thioridazine Potential for increased CNS and extrapyramidal adverse effects.

Is megace harmful?

Trouble sleeping, fever, gas, decreased sexual ability/desire, weight gain, changes in appetite, or upset stomach may occur. Women may have changes in their menstrual periods, including unpredictable bleeding. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

What are the side effects of megestrol acetate?

Megestrol is a man-made chemical similar to the female hormone progesterone. Megestrol is used to treat loss of appetite and weight loss in people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

When to use megestrol acetate oral suspension, USP?

Megestrol acetate oral suspension, USP is indicated for the treatment of anorexia, cachexia, or an unexplained, significant weight loss in patients with a diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). History of hypersensitivity to megestrol acetate or any component of the formulation.

How much megestrol acetate to take for anorexia?

For the treatment of anorexia, cachexia, or unexplained weight loss in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Oral dosage (megestrol acetate suspension containing 125 mg/mL, e.g., Megace ES suspension 125 mg/mL)

Is there an antidote for megestrol acetate overdose?

There is no specific antidote for overdose with Megestrol acetate oral suspension. In case of overdose, appropriate supportive measures should be taken. Megestrol acetate has not been tested for dialyzability; however, due to its low solubility it is postulated that dialysis would not be an effective means of treating overdose.