Megestrol Suspension

What is this medication?

MEGESTROL (me JES trol) treats loss of appetite and weight loss in people with chronic conditions. This medication is a progestin hormone.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Megace, Megace ES

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Adrenal gland problems
• History of blood clots of the legs, lungs, or other parts of the body
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Stroke
• An unusual or allergic reaction to megestrol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medication. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your care team's advice.

Contact your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss or forget a single dose, continue with your next regularly scheduled dose on the next day. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Dofetilide

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Indinavir

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. It may take up to 3 weeks to first notice an improved appetite. It may take up to 12 weeks to notice weight gain.

Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects. You need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. Use an effective method of contraception while you are taking this medication.

This medication may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your care team before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Cushing syndrome—increased fat around the midsection, upper back, neck, or face, pink or purple stretch marks on the skin, thinning, fragile skin that easily bruises, unexpected hair growth
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
• Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Change in sex drive or performance
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Trouble sleeping
• Unusual weakness or fatigue

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Keep tightly closed. Protect from heat. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.