What is Megace (Megestrol) prescribed for?

Megestrol, the active ingredient within Megace, is made to be similar to a natural substance within the body, known as progesterone. Now what progesterone is, is a hormone that is produced by a woman’s ovaries. And it’s one of the hormones that fluctuate with a woman’s menstrual period.

This medication is used as a treatment towards cancer of the breast and the uterus.

When prescribed this medication, do not increase the dose yourself or use it longer than what has been prescribed to you.  Regardless, your condition will not improve and you put yourself at risk for serious side effects.

This medication is to be taken by mouth. The dosage and how often you are to take it are completely based on your medical condition and your response to the treatment. Follow your doctors instructions very carefully.

Use this medication on a regular basis to gain the most amount of benefit from using it. If you have any questions or concerns, consult your doctor.

Before taking this medication, it is best to advise your doctor if you are allergic to Megestrol; or to any other medications or allergies in general.

Also it is best to notify your doctor of your medical history. Inform you doctor if you have had any serious health issues in the past, such as; liver disease.

If you have diabetes, this product may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar (see Side Effects section). Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

Using megestrol for a long time may make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have recently stopped taking it. Tell your doctor right away if you develop unusual/extreme tiredness, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.

Some of these side effects may occur when taking this medication; they are as follows; Trouble sleeping, fever, gas, decreased sexual ability/desire, weight gain, changes in appetite, or upset stomach may occur. However if any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor right away.

Stop using this product and tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/pounding heartbeat, fatigue, headache, swelling of the hands/feet.

This medication may rarely make your blood sugar rise, which can cause or worsen diabetes. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. If you already have diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: symptoms of a blood clot (such as chest pain, trouble breathing, pain/redness/swelling of arms or legs), confusion, mental/mood changes, weakness/numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision changes.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

What is Megace?

Megace, once used, is similar to a natural substance in the body called progesterone.  So what is megestrol used for exactly? When prescribed, this medication is used to treat cancer of the breast or uterus. It only has one strength which is 160mg. If you have any questions regarding this medication or any inquiries in general, feel free to give us a call at our toll free number 1-877-385-8998.  

How long before Megace works?

Typically this medication can take awhile before you receive the full benefits. A full treatment duration may be up to 12 weeks depending on your response to the treatment.

How much does Megace cost?

Megace falls on Tier 2 of Medicare’s formulary.  A Tier 2 medication usually means it is a “non-preferred generic”. Meaning it can be a bit more expensive. However you may find a more affordable option on an online Canadian Pharmacy such as My Drug Center.  We have a starting price of $183.00 for 30 pills.