The Use of Megace

Megace is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of two different kinds of cancers. It is used to treat both uterine and breast cancers. The medication can be used by itself or alongside various other treatment options (such as radiation therapy and surgery). It functions in order to halt tumor growth. Megace closely resembles progesterone, which is a substance that is made naturally by the body.

Primary Uses

• Megace is an artificial chemical that functions similarly to progesterone, which is a female hormone. The primary use of this medication is to treat and manage weight loss and appetite loss that can occur due to disease (like AIDS and muscle wasting from cancer). It is also commonly used to treat both uterine and breast cancers in the advanced stages.

Other Uses

• There are various other uses of Megace, as well. Megace is also used to assist in the prevention of pregnancy, for treating male enlarged prostate and prostate cancer, and for various obstetric medical conditions, such as endometriosis (which is a female reproductive system disease that involves the tissue that lines the uterus).

Common Side Effects

• Use of Megace can result in several relatively common side effects, which include appetite changes, upset stomach, difficulty sleeping, reduced sex drive or ability, gas, diarrhea, gaining weight and fever. Females might have menstrual period changes, such as bleeding that is unpredictable. If you have any of these side effects and they intensify with time or are uncomfortable, you need to notify your doctor about them.

Severe Side Effects

• Severe side effects of Megace are not common, but are a possibility. In cases of severe effects of this medication, users need to seek immediate medical assistance. These side effects include swelling of the hands or the feet; exhaustion; pounding or rapid heartbeat; headache; confusion; disorientation; mood or mental changes; chest ache; difficulty breathing; sudden or extreme changes in vision; the legs or the arms becoming red, swollen, or painful; one-sided weakness or numbness; and slurred speech. Some people also might experience severe allergic reactions, which manifest themselves in symptoms such as difficulty breathing, extreme dizziness, itching, skin rash and swelling. Individuals can experience any of these side effects by themselves, and they can also experience multiple side effects at the same time.

Caution

• The use of Megace is not necessarily safe or beneficial for everybody. It is important to consult with your physician when considering this medication. This is particularly important for individuals with hypertension, problems with the adrenal gland (such as Cushing's syndrome), abnormal vaginal bleeding, kidney problems, blood clotting, diabetes and congestive heart failure.