Detailed Drug Information:

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Megestrol is in the class of drugsused to fight cancer (antineoplastic) and is a synthetic female hormonebelonging to the progesterone group. Progesterone is a hormone produced bythe body, especially the female, that helps controls the menstrual periodamong other body functions.

PREPARATIONS: Tablets are available in 20mg and 40mg sizes byBristol-Myers Squibb Labs. An oral suspension is available that contains40mg per each l ml.

STORAGE: Store in a dry place at room temperature. The oralsuspension should be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly sealedcontainer.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Treatment for breast cancer and endometrialcarcinoma (cancer of the uterus). It is usually not used as the onlytreatment but in addition to other cancer therapy. Megestrol is also usedfor people that have difficulty in maintaining weight in patients withAIDS. For this use megestrol is an appetite stimulant and has thus faronly been used in women.

DOSING: Megestrol is given in doses through the day for severalmonths as treatment for cancer. Doses up to 800mg daily have been used forweight loss. Megestrol can be taken with or without food. Betterabsorption and blood levels maybe achieved if taken without food. If usingthe oral suspension it should be shaken (not stirred!) before use.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Megestrol will stimulate theappetite andweight gain is common. This is not water retention but a result of eatingmore food.

PREGNANCY: This medication may cause birth defects if you are pregnant. It can also interfere with normal hormones and should not be taken if breast feeding. Never use if you are capable of becomingpregnant. Therefore, birth control measures are mandatory if a woman is still fertile while using megestrol.

NURSING MOTHERS: This medication should not be taken if breastfeeding.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects are nausea, rash,impotency, hypertension and the production of excess gas (flatulence).Less common are insomnia and headache. Increased doses increase the sideeffects.