What Are Side Effects of Megace?

• weight gain,
• changes in appetite,
• stomach upset,
• diarrhea,
• gas,
• skin rash,
• trouble sleeping (insomnia),
• weakness,

More items
Ultimately, it’s not recommended for use in older adults because of anticholinergic side effects, including dizziness, sedation, and dry mouth.7

Is megace safe for elderly?

Yeh and colleagues, in one of the few trials of megestrol in elderly patients, found that a daily dose of 800 mg was well tolerated and resulted in significant weight gain and improved quality of life; no thrombotic events were reported.

Is megace dangerous?

Side Effects . Trouble sleeping, fever, gas, decreased sexual ability/desire, weight gain, changes in appetite, or upset stomach may occur. Women may have changes in their menstrual periods, including unpredictable bleeding. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Can megace cause confusion?

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, confusion , mental/mood changes, weakness/numbness on one side of the body, pain/redness/swelling of arms or legs, slurred speech, trouble breathing, severe or sudden vision changes.

How long can you be on megace?

You have megestrol acetate as tablets. When you start taking it you should take them for at least 2 months. This is to find out if they are working. You can take them for many years .

What helps an elderly person increase appetite?

Try these tricks to stimulate appetite in the elderly : Create a routine. Pack in those nutrients. Eat with others. Fight dry mouth. Embrace finger foods. Encourage healthy snacking. Drink meals instead. Make it special.

What causes elderly to stop eating?

A lower metabolic rate and less physical activity mean seniors need fewer calories. Changes to sense of smell and taste can make food less tasty. We lose taste buds as we get older . Dental problems or gastrointestinal changes, such as lactose intolerance, can accompany aging and make eating uncomfortable.

Is megace a chemo drug?

Megestrol ( Megace ^®) is a hormonal therapy drug used to treat breast and womb cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. This is called secondary cancer. It may also be used to treat breast and womb cancer that has come back after treatment (recurrent). Megestrol can also be used to improve your appetite.

What happens when you stop taking Megace?

When you stop using megestrol after long-term use, you may have withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or weakness.

Does megace cause blood clots?

Megestrol can increase the risk of blood clots and heart attack. If you experience symptoms of these problems, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately or go to an emergency room.

Does megace cause fluid retention?

These are less common side effects (occurring in 10-29%) for patients receiving megestrol : Weight gain. Edema (swelling, usually in the feet or hands) Breakthrough menstrual bleeding, spotting.

What is the best appetite stimulant?

Although megestrol acetate , oxandrolone , and dronabinol are the only drugs that the FDA have approved as appetite stimulants, some other medications have the side effect of increasing appetite. Some doctors may prescribe them off-label, or for their primary purpose, for this reason.

Does megace make you sleepy?

You may feel tired and lacking energy when having megestrol . Take it easy if you feel tired . Try to strike a balance between periods of rest and some physical activity. Some people feel nauseous, especially during the first weeks after starting to take megestrol .

When should I take Megace?

The concentrated suspension is usually taken once a day. Take megestrol at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take megestrol exactly as directed.

Is megace an appetite stimulant?

What is megestrol , and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Megestrol is a synthetic female hormone belonging to the progesterone group. It is used for stimulating appetite and treating breast cancer.

Does megestrol cause depression?

We included so many items on this list to prove a point: Megace is a hormone, and many people who take hormones will experience some negative side effects. Hormone therapy should be carefully considered and can sometimes exacerbate heart disease or cause severe depression .