Megestrol is used to treat loss of appetite and wasting syndrome in people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Megestrol is not for use in preventing weight loss or wasting syndrome.

Megestrol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do not use if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Megestrol comes as a tablet, an oral suspension (liquid), and a concentrated oral suspension (Megace ES) to take by mouth. The tablets and suspension are usually taken several times a day. 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. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.

The concentrated suspension is used in different dosages than the regular suspension. Do not switch from one to the other without talking to your doctor.

Do not stop taking megestrol without talking to your doctor.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using only the form and strength your doctor prescribes.

Your dosage needs may also change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have an infection. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor's advice.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

When you stop using megestrol after long-term use, you may have withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or weakness. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.

You should not use megestrol if you are allergic to it, or if you are pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• diabetes;

• an adrenal gland disorder; or

• a stroke or blood clot.

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

Do not use megestrol if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using megestrol. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

In animal studies, megestrol caused low birth weight and other problems when used during pregnancy. However, it is not known whether these effects would occur in humans. Ask your doctor about your risk.

Women with HIV or AIDS should not breastfeed a baby. Even if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast milk.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these side effects during or after your treatment with megestrol:

• chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood;

• swelling, warmth, or redness in an arm or leg;

• increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;

• weight gain (especially in your waist and upper back);

• muscle weakness, tiredness, feeling light-headed;

• skin discoloration, thinning skin, increased body hair; or

• mood changes, menstrual changes, sexual changes.

Common side effects of megestrol may include:

• nausea, gas, diarrhea;

• increased blood pressure;

• impotence, sexual problems;

• rash; or

• weakness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect megestrol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to megestrol.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.