Introduction

Megestol is used to treat breast cancer and endometrial cancer. It specifically helps treat breast and endometrial cancer that are hormone dependent. It may also be used for treating low appetite and weight loss in patients with advanced cancer or HIV.\n\n\nMegestol should be taken with or without food, preferably at a fixed time each day to ensure consistent levels of medicine in the body. This medicine is not used for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It may cause side effects like high blood pressure and increased blood sugar levels but they are temporary. However, if these persists, consult with the doctor.

Uses of Megestol

Breast cancer
Endometrial cancer

Side effects of Megestol

Increased appetite
Weight gain
Hot flashes
High blood pressure
Constipation
Increased glucose level in blood

How to use Megestol

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Megestol may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How Megestol works

Megestol is a progestin (female hormone). It works in patients with breast cancer and endometrial cancer by affecting female hormones involved in cancer growth. It causes weight gain by increasing appetite.

Quick Tips

Megestol is used to treat women with certain hormone-dependent cancers such as breast cancer and endometrial cancer.
It may also be used for treating appetite and weight loss in people with advanced cancer or AIDS.
You may have to take it for atleast 2 months before you notice any changes in your appetite.
Your doctor might do regular blood tests to check your hormones and blood sugar levels while you are taking this medicine.
Do not take Megestol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor immediately if you notice unexplained swelling and pain in your limbs, shortness of breath, chest pain, severe headache, or changes in vision. These could be symptoms of a blood clot in a vein.
Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor first.

Safety Advice

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR – Alcohol: It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Megestol. Please consult your doctor.
UNSAFE – Pregnancy: Megestol is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR – Breastfeeding: Megestol is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
SAFE – Driving: Megestol does not usually affect your ability to drive.
CAUTION – Kidney: Megestol should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Megestol may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
CAUTION – Liver: Megestol should be used with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Dose adjustment of Megestol may be needed. Please consult your doctor.