Megace (Megestrol Acetate) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

Megace

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What is the history of HIV, and when was HIV discovered?

The history of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) dates back to 1981, when homosexual men with symptoms of a disease that now are considered typical of AIDS were first described in Los Angeles and New York. The men had an unusual type of lung infection (pneumonia) called Pneumocystis carinii (now known as Pneumocystis jiroveci) pneumonia (PCP) and rare skin tumors called Kaposi's sarcomas. The patients were noted to have a severe reduction in a type of cell in the blood (CD4 cells) that is an important part of the immune system. These cells, often referred to as T cells, help the body fight infections. Shortly thereafter, this disease was recognized throughout the United States, Western Europe, and Africa. In 1983, researchers in the United States and France described the virus that causes AIDS, now known as HIV, belonging to t...

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Megace

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Megace®
(megestrol acetate, USP) Oral Suspension

DRUG DESCRIPTION

MEGACE® (megestrol acetate, USP) Oral Suspension contains megestrol acetate, a synthetic derivative of the naturally occurring steroid hormone, progesterone. Megestrol acetate is a white, crystalline solid chemically designated as 17α-(acetyloxy)-6-methylpregna-4,6-diene-3,20-dione. Solubility at 37° C in water is 2 µg per mL, solubility in plasma is 24 µg per mL. Its molecular weight is 384.51.

The empirical formula is C₂₄H₃₂O₄ and the structural formula is represented as follows:

Megace®
(megestrol acetate) Structural Formula Illustration

MEGACE (megestrol acetate) Oral Suspension is supplied as an oral suspension containing 40 mg of micronized megestrol acetate per mL.

MEGACE (megestrol acetate) Oral Suspension contains the following inactive ingredients: alcohol (max. 0.06% v/v from flavor), citric acid, lemon-lime flavor, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, purified water, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, sucrose and xanthan gum.

What are the possible side effects of megestrol (Megace)?

Stop taking megestrol and seek emergency medical attention or call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
sudden severe headache;
changes in vision; or
numbness or swelling in an arm or leg.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Notify your doctor if you experience

nausea or...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Megace »

What are the precautions when taking megestrol acetate (Megace)?

Before taking megestrol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: adrenal gland problems (e.g., Cushing's syndrome), blood clots, congestive heart failure, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney problems, unusual vaginal bleeding.

High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and worsening of diabetes may occur. Symptoms of high blood sugar include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 11/17/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.