Megace
(megestrol)
Treats appetite and weight loss in people with AIDS, and pain in people with cancer.
Our bottom line
Megace (megestrol) is good for treating appetite and weight loss in people with advanced cancer or AIDS, without causing the side effects of steroids.
- Drug class: Neuro/psych
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (megestrol)
Upsides
- Compared to other medicines, Megace (megestrol) has fewer side effects.
- Megace (megestrol) is available in generic and comes in a pleasant tasting liquid that is easy to take.
- Megace (megestrol) comes in 2 different strengths, which can lower the amount of liquid you have to take.
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What to expect from Megace, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Can make it difficult to get or maintain an erection.
- Can cause vaginal bleeding.
- If you've ever had blood clots, Megace (megestrol) can make you more likely to have them again.
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What to expect from Megace, on one page
Download Fact SheetMegace (megestrol) is a progestin derivative (steroid hormone). In people who have endometrial and breast cancer, it lowers certain hormones created in tumors that are responsible for causing pain. It is not clear how Megace (megestrol) treats appetite and weight loss.
- Drug class: Neuro/psych
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (megestrol)
Used for
- Cancer pain
- Appetite loss and weight loss in AIDS
- Appetite loss and weight loss in cancer
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Medicine ShoppeGet free coupon$1031.13
- AlbertsonsGet free coupon$1034.55
What to expect when you take Megace (megestrol) for Appetite & weight loss
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Possible side effects
- Higher blood sugar
- Unable to get or maintain an erection
- Nausea and vomiting
- Trouble sleeping
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
Side effect rates for Megace (megestrol)
- Diarrhea13%13%15%15%
- Headache10%10%6%6%
- Skin rash9%9%9%9%
- Fever6%6%3%3%
- Unable to get or maintain an erection4%4%3%3%
- Nausea4%4%9%9%
- Lower sexual desire4%4%3%3%
- Trouble sleeping3%3%
- Anemia3%3%6%6%
- Vomiting3%3%9%9%
- Weakness2%2%3%3%
- Pneumonia2%2%6%6%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Megace.
People taking Megace felt side effect more
People taking Megace felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Megace (megestrol)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Pregnancy
If you're pregnant, don't take Megace (megestrol) because it can harm your fetus. Use birth control while you're taking Megace (megestrol) to prevent an unwanted pregnancy from happening. Talk to your doctor if this is a problem.
Common concerns from people taking Megace (megestrol)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with real people or animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. If you’re pregnant, the risks to your unborn baby outweigh the benefits.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.