What is Megestrol: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

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Megestrol overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Megace ES, Megestrol Acetate

Generic Names:

  • Megestrol Acetate

Uses:

  • Megestrol tablets treat breast and uterine cancer. The liquid form is used to increase appetite and prevent weight loss in patients with AIDS.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Endocrine-Metabolic Agent

Forms:

  • Liquid, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Megestrol used for?

Megestrol acetate is a drug used to treat breast or uterine cancer. This drug resembles a natural body hormone called progesterone. Megestrol acetate is a generic drug also sold under the brand name Megace. This drug has been available for years. In the treatment of some cancers, megestrol acetate use is common.

What form(s) does Megestrol come in

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

What are common Megestrol doses?

  • Tablet 20MG

  • Tablet 40MG

  • Bottle 100GM of

  • Bottle 240ML of 40MG/ML

  • Bottle 480ML of 40MG/ML

  • Bottle 150ML of 625MG/5ML

  • Cup 10ML of 40MG/ML

  • Cup 10ML of 400MG/10ML

  • Cup 5ML of 625MG/5ML

Common Megestrol prescriptions

  • Megestrol Acetate
    150ml of 625mg/5ml bottle

  • Megestrol Acetate
    240ml of 40mg/ml bottle

  • Megestrol Acetate
    480ml of 40mg/ml bottle

  • Megestrol Acetate
    10ml of 400mg/10ml cup

  • Megestrol Acetate
    20mg tablet

  • Megestrol Acetate
    40mg tablet

How to take Megestrol

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • For cancer treatment, you may need to take this medicine for at least 2 months before it starts to work.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake well before using.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake well before using.

  • For cancer treatment, you may need to take this medicine for at least 2 months before it starts to work.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

What to do if you miss a dose of Megestrol

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Megestrol contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to megestrol, or if you are or may be pregnant.

Megestrol warnings

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

  • Rapid weight gain.

  • Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Pain in your lower leg (calf).

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

  • Tell your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, adrenal problems, cancer, Cushing's syndrome, diabetes, an infection, stomach problems, or a history of blood clots.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk of cancer

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

Megestrol interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how megestrol acetate works. Tell your doctor if you are using a blood thinner (including warfarin).

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, Cushing's syndrome, kidney disease, or a history of blood clots.

  • Using this medicine for a long time may increase your risk of some kinds of cancer. Talk to your doctor about this risk.

  • This medicine may cause weight gain as a result of an increased appetite.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Megestrol side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood

  • Extreme nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or weakness

  • Increased thirst, increase in how much or how often you urinate

  • Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

  • Pain in your lower leg (calf)

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild headache

  • Trouble having or maintaining an erection

  • Hot flashes, sweating, mood changes

  • Rash

  • Hair loss

  • Pain in your hand or wrist

  • Bleeding between menstrual periods

  • Trouble sleeping

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