Drug
Megestrol
Pronounced
"meh-JESS-troll"
Uses
Megestrol is used to treat loss of appetite and weight loss in people with AIDS. Improving your appetite and gaining weight may help you feel better and be more active.
Megestrol is similar to a natural substance made by the body called progesterone.
Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used to counter unhealthy weight loss in people with certain cancers by improving their appetite. It may also be used for cancer of the breast, uterus, ovaries, or prostate.
How to Use This Medication
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
This medication is a high-strength concentrated liquid product. Do not switch between different liquid forms of megestrol because you may not get the correct dose.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should handle this medication carefully. Wash your skin well right away if megestrol gets on your skin.
It may take up to several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.
Tell your doctor if you do not get better or if you get worse.