Megace

Megace helps to increase appetite in patients with certain conditions, who have lost weight, to help them gain weight. If you are taking the liquid form, make sure to shake well before use.

Megace Overview

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Megace is a prescription medication used to relieve the symptoms of advanced breast cancer or endometrial cancer. It is also used to treat loss of appetite and weight loss in patients with AIDS. 

Megace belongs to a group of drugs called progestins. It is unknown exactly how Megace works, but it is thought to change the activity of female hormones that are involved in cancer growth. It promotes weight gain by increasing appetite.

This medication comes in tablet, liquid suspension, and concentrated suspension forms to be taken by mouth.

The tablets and suspension are usually taken several times a day. The concentrated suspension is usually taken once a day.

Common side effects of Megace include gas, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, and impotence (the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis during sexual activity).

How was your experience with Megace?

First, a little about yourself

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What tips would you provide a friend before taking Megace?

What are you taking Megace for?

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  • Other
  • Anorexia
  • Breast Neoplasms
  • Cachexia
  • Endometrial Neoplasms

How long have you been taking it?

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  • Less than a week
  • A couple weeks
  • A month or so
  • A few months
  • A year or so
  • Two years or more

How well did Megace work for you?

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How likely would you be to recommend Megace to a friend?

Uses of Megace

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Megace is a prescription medication used to relieve the symptoms of advanced breast cancer or endometrial cancer (cancer in the lining of the uterus). It is also used to treat loss of appetite and weight loss in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). 

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Manufacturer

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Generic

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Megestrol

For more information on this medication choose from the list of selections below.

Megace Drug Class

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Megace is part of the drug class:

Side Effects of Megace

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Serious side effects have been reported with Megace. See the "Drug Precautions" section.

Common side effects of Megace include the following:

  • impotence (the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis during sexual activity)
  • insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep)
  • gas
  • decreased sexual desire
  • rash
  • dyspepsia (indigestion)

This is not a complete list of Megace side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor is you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.