Do you or someone you know and love not feel like eating due to a long-term illness? Do you get bored even with the sight of food? Are you losing weight day by day because of this? In this article, we are going to talk about a special medicine that doctors recommend in such times. The name of this medicine is Megestrol. Most of the time, it comes in the form of a liquid (suspension). Let's see what this medicine is, how it works, and what things to be careful about while using it.
What is Megestrol?
Simply put, Megestrol is a synthetic drug that acts like the progestin hormone naturally found in our bodies. Its main function is to reduce the loss of appetite caused by various chronic conditions and restore the desire to eat. When appetite increases, when eating properly, this drug helps to restore the body weight that has been lost over time.
Doctors often recommend this to control excessive weight loss and loss of appetite, especially in people suffering from long-term illnesses such as cancer patients and AIDS patients.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine for you, it is very important that you give him a complete description of your health condition. Because, using this medicine with some medical conditions can be risky. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
- Allergies: If you have ever had an allergic reaction to Megestrol, any other hormonal medication, any other medicine, food, or dye.
- A history of blood clots: If you have had blood clots in your legs, lungs, or elsewhere in your body before. This is a very dangerous condition, because if the blood clot travels through a vein and blocks the lungs, heart, or brain, it can be life-threatening.
- Diabetes: If you have diabetes, it is essential to be aware of this as this medication may alter your blood sugar levels.
- Adrenal gland problems: If there is a problem with the functioning of these glands located above our kidneys.
- Liver disease or kidney disease: If the liver or kidneys are not functioning properly, it can affect the process of removing the medication from the body.
- Stroke: If you have had a previous stroke.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It is not recommended to use this medicine if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding . We will discuss this further.
Remember that telling your doctor this information without hiding it is very important for your own safety.
How to use the medicine?
The method of using this medicine is very simple, but it is important to follow it correctly.
1. Shake well: Shake the bottle well before taking the medicine. Because this is a suspension, particles of the medicine may settle at the bottom of the bottle.
2. Accurate measurement: Measure the exact dose prescribed by your doctor. Use a special measuring spoon (marked spoon) or a cup that comes with the medicine for this. Do not use teaspoons or tablespoons that you have at home. They cannot measure the dose accurately.
3. On time: Take your medicine at the prescribed intervals as prescribed by your doctor. If you are told to take it once a day, try to take it at the same time every day.
4. Don't stop: Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
5. If given to children: This medicine is rarely given to children. If given, it requires special medical supervision.
What to do if you overdose?
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Alternatively, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take a dose, do not take it as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose and take it at the next scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
Special points to be aware of when using
- It takes time to see results: Don't expect immediate results after taking this medicine. It may take about 3 weeks for your appetite to increase. It may take up to 12 weeks (about 3 months) for you to see any weight gain. So be patient and continue taking the medicine as directed by your doctor.
- Special attention to pregnancy: This is very important. Do not take this medicine if you are trying to get pregnant or think you may be pregnant. This medicine can cause serious birth defects in an unborn baby. Therefore, you should have a medical check-up to make sure you are not pregnant before starting this medicine. You should always use an effective method of family planning while taking this medicine.
- For people with diabetes: If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels regularly while taking this medication. If you notice a significant change in your sugar levels, be sure to talk to your doctor before changing the dosage of your diabetes medication.
Possible side effects of this medicine
Like any medicine, Megestrol can cause side effects in some people. Although most of these are not serious, some require immediate attention.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Cushing syndrome | Fat deposits around the stomach, upper back, neck, or face, pink/purple streaks on the skin, and thin skin that bruises easily. |
| Increased blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) | Excessive thirst, frequent urination, unusual fatigue, blurred vision. |
| Decreased adrenal function | Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, dizziness. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Other disorders | Changes in sexual desire or function, diarrhea, bloating, insomnia, unusual fatigue. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any other unusual symptoms, talk to your doctor about them.
Take-Home Message
- Megestrol is a hormone-type medication that increases appetite and helps you gain weight.
- Before starting this medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- While taking the pill, be sure to use a suitable form of birth control to avoid pregnancy. This is very important.
- It may take several weeks or months to see results, so be patient.
- If you experience any serious side effects (especially allergies, high blood sugar), inform your doctor immediately.
- Do not start, change the dosage, or stop taking medication without your doctor's advice.
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