What Is Megestrol? Everything You Need to Know About This Hormone Medicine

Has your doctor prescribed megestrol tablets for you, or perhaps for someone you love? You likely have questions about what this medicine does, why doctors use it, and what you need to watch out for while taking it. Let us walk through everything you need to know in simple, everyday language.

Megestrol belongs to a group of medicines called progestins. In simple terms, it is a lab-made version of a natural hormone that your body makes. Doctors commonly prescribe these tablets to help treat certain advanced types of breast cancer and cancer of the lining of the uterus, known as endometrial cancer. By acting like your body's natural hormones, this medicine helps slow down or control how certain cancer cells grow.

Beyond cancer treatment, doctors sometimes prescribe megestrol for other health needs. For example, it is often used to help patients with serious illnesses regain their appetite and gain back lost body weight. If you ever feel unsure about why you are taking this medicine, always ask your doctor or pharmacist. You will often find this medicine supplied under brand names such as Megace.

Things to Tell Your Doctor Before Starting This Medicine.

Before you take your first dose of megestrol, you must share your complete medical history with your doctor. Even a minor health issue can be important. Certain medical conditions mean your doctor must take extra care or adjust your dose to keep you safe.

Make sure to tell your doctor right away if you have any of the following health conditions:

• Problems with your adrenal glands, which are the small hormone-making glands sitting right above your kidneys.
• Diabetes or high blood sugar levels.
• A history of blood clots in your legs, lungs, or anywhere else in your body. This is a very important warning.
• Kidney disease or reduced kidney function.
• Liver disease or liver problems.
• A history of a stroke or mini-stroke.
• Any allergies to megestrol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or trying to start a family.
• If you are breastfeeding a baby or planning to breastfeed.

Sharing these details helps your doctor decide if megestrol is the right choice for you and how to prescribe it safely.

How to Take This Medicine Correctly.

Megestrol comes as a pill that you swallow by mouth. Always follow the instructions written on your prescription label by your doctor or pharmacist.

• Take the exact dose your doctor prescribed. Do not take more pills or take them more often than directed.
• Take your medicine at the same scheduled times every day to keep a steady level in your body.
• Never stop taking this medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor first. If you need to stop, your doctor will guide you to lower your dose slowly over time.

If children are ever prescribed this medicine, parents must follow special instructions from a pediatrician. Doctors rarely prescribe this medicine to children.

What should you do if you take too much?

If you accidentally take more megestrol than prescribed, stay calm and call your local emergency department right away. In the United States, you can also call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for immediate guidance.

Remember that your prescription is meant only for you. Never share your medicine with anyone else, even if they have the exact same symptoms or diagnosis. Every person's body reacts differently to medicines.

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What to Do If You Miss a Dose.

It is normal to sometimes forget to take a dose of medicine. If you miss a dose of megestrol, take it as soon as you remember.

However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose completely. Just return to your regular schedule with the next dose.

Never take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed pill. Taking a double dose raises your risk of having unpleasant side effects.

Other Things That Can Interact With This Medicine.

Certain substances can interact with megestrol and change how it works in your body. Tell your doctor about every product you use. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter painkillers, vitamins, herbal remedies, dietary supplements, alcohol, and tobacco products.

You should avoid taking megestrol if you currently take certain medicines, such as:

• Dofetilide, which doctors prescribe to correct abnormal heart rhythms.

Other medicines can also interact with megestrol. For example, doctors pay close attention if you take:

• Indinavir, which is a medicine used to treat HIV infections.

This list does not include every possible drug interaction. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before you start any new medicine or stop taking an old one.

Important Safety Things to Keep in Mind.

While you take megestrol, you need to pay close attention to your health and follow your care plan closely.

• Regular doctor visits: Keep all your follow-up appointments so your doctor can check your progress. Even if you feel completely fine, keep taking your medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Sometimes, you need to take this medicine for a couple of months before seeing its full effect.
• Pregnancy and birth control: This is an extremely important safety warning. If you might become pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Taking megestrol during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects in an unborn baby. Your doctor will perform a pregnancy test before you start. You must use a highly effective birth control method while taking this medicine and for a time after you stop. Talk to your doctor to find the safest birth control method for you.
• Managing diabetes: If you have diabetes, megestrol can affect your blood sugar levels and cause them to rise. Check your blood sugar levels regularly at home using your glucose meter. Ask your doctor what target numbers to look for and when you should call for help.

Possible Side Effects of Megestrol.

Like all medicines, megestrol can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Some people may have no side effects at all. Knowing what to watch for helps you stay safe.

Side Effects to Report to Your Doctor Right Away.

Call your doctor or seek medical care right away if you notice any of these serious warning signs:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, severe itching, hives, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Get emergency help if you also experience trouble breathing.
• Breathing problems, wheezing, or a tight feeling in your chest.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when you stand up quickly.
• Higher blood pressure than usual. If you check your blood pressure at home, report high readings to your doctor.
• Signs of a blood clot, which is a dangerous and life-threatening medical emergency:
  • Sudden trouble breathing or sharp chest pain that gets worse when you take a breath.
  • Sudden changes in vision, such as blurred vision or seeing double.
  • A sudden, severe headache.
  • Pain, swelling, redness, or a warm feeling in one of your legs.
  • Sudden slurred speech or trouble talking.
  • Sudden numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg, usually on one side of your body.
• Swelling in your ankles, feet, or hands caused by fluid buildup.
• Feeling unusually weak, sluggish, or extremely tired all day.
• Frequent vomiting or an inability to keep fluids down.

Mild Side Effects That Usually Do Not Need Emergency Care.

These side effects are often mild and tend to fade over time. If they continue or bother you greatly, let your doctor know:

• Unexpected light spotting or changes in your monthly menstrual cycle.
• Changes in your normal sex drive or sexual performance.
• Mild diarrhea or loose stools.
• Feeling bloated or passing extra gas.
• Hot flashes or sudden feelings of warmth in your face and neck.
• An increased appetite, which doctors sometimes expect and want during treatment.
• A mild upset stomach or feeling slightly nauseous.
• Weight gain, which can also be a helpful goal for certain patients.

This list does not cover every possible side effect. If you notice any other unusual symptoms, talk with your doctor. In the US, you can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How to Store Your Medicine Safely.

Proper storage keeps your medicine effective and protects the people and pets in your home from accidental harm.

• Store your medicine in a secure, high place where children and pets cannot reach it, ideally in a locked cabinet.
• Keep your pills at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius (59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Keep them away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Do not store them in humid places like a bathroom.
• Protect the medicine from extreme heat above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Safely throw away any expired medicines or pills you no longer need. Ask your local pharmacist how to dispose of unused medicines safely in your area.

Reviewed and localized by the Nirogi Lanka Medical Editorial Team. Last updated in October 2026.