Megace ES (Megestrol Acetate) Drug Information: Medication Guide and Patient Information

May 27, 2012

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a type of virus called a retrovirus, which infects humans when it comes in contact with tissues such as those that line the vagina, anal area, mouth, or eyes, or through a break in the skin.
HIV infection is generally a slowly progressive disease in which the virus is present throughout the body at all stages of the disease.
Three stages of HIV infection have been described.

The initial stage of infection (primary infection), which occurs within weeks of acquiring the virus, and often is characterized by a flu- or mono-like illness that generally resolves within weeks.
The stage of chronic asymptomatic infection (meaning a long duration of infection without symptoms) lasts an average of eight to 10 years.
The stage of symptomatic infection, in which the body's immune (or defense) system has...

Megace ES

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Patients using Megace® ES (megestrol acetate) should receive the following instructions:

This medication is to be used as directed by the physician.
Megace® ES (625 mg/5 mL) does not contain the same amount of megestrol acetate as Megace® oral suspension or any of the other megestrol acetate oral suspensions. Megace® ES contains 625 mg of megestrol acetate per 5 mL whereas Megace® oral suspension and other megestrol acetate oral suspensions contain 800 mg per 20 mL.
The prescriber should inform the patient about the product differences to avoid overdosing or underdosing of megestrol acetate. The recommended adult dosage of Megace® ES is one teaspoon (5 mL) once a day. Please see table in DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section.
Report any adverse reaction experiences while taking this medication.
Use contraception while taking this medication if you are a woman capable of becoming pregnant.
Notify your physician if you become pregnant while taking this medication.

Last reviewed on RxList: 8/28/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.