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Megace Prescribing Information

Megace is a brand name version of the prescription medication megesterol acetate. Doctors commonly prescribe Megace to treat loss of appetite and weight loss in patients with HIV or AIDS.

  1. Function

    • Megace contains a synthetic version of the sex hormone progesterone, which helps prevent wasting of the muscles common in patients with HIV and AIDS. Doctors do not understand precisely how the hormone prevents this condition, according to RxList.

    Features

    • Megace is dispensed as an oral liquid medication. The recommended daily dosage of Megace is 800mg or 20mL.

    Types of Common Side Effects

    • Common side effects of Megace include diarrhea, impotence, skin rashes, flatulence, hypertension, weakness, insomnia, nausea, anemia, fever and decreased libido.

    Risks

    • Megace poses a risk for increases in blood glucose levels that can cause the onset of diabetes or make it more difficult to control sugars in patients already diagnosed with diabetes. Some patients also develop potentially life-threatening adrenal insufficiency related to the use of Megace.

    Considerations

    • Because Megace has the potential to cause fetal harm, it is not safe to use the drug during pregnancy. If you have kidney disease or impaired kidney functioning, it may not be safe for you to take Megace, warns RxList.

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