Note: This document contains side effect information about megestrol. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Megace ES.
Applies to megestrol: oral suspension, oral tablet.
Serious side effects of Megace ES
Along with its needed effects, megestrol (the active ingredient contained in Megace ES) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking megestrol:
More common
- Blurred vision
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- flushed, dry skin
- fruit-like breath odor
- increased hunger
- increased thirst
- increased urination
- nausea
- nervousness
- slow or fast heartbeat
- stomach pain
- sweating
- trouble breathing
- unexplained weight loss
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
Less common
- Black, tarry stools
- bladder pain
- bloody or cloudy urine
- burning or stinging of the skin
- burning, tingling, numbness or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
- chest pain or discomfort
- cough or hoarseness
- discouragement
- fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
- feeling sad or empty
- fever or chills
- frequent urge to urinate
- irritability
- lack of appetite
- loss of interest or pleasure
- lower back or side pain
- painful cold sores or blisters on the lips, nose, eyes, or genitals
- painful or difficult urination
- right upper abdominal or stomach pain and fullness
- sore throat
- sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
- stabbing pain
- swelling
- swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males
- swelling of the feet or lower legs
- swollen glands
- trouble concentrating
- trouble sleeping
- tumor
- unusual bleeding or bruising
Incidence not known
- Anxiety
- backache
- changes in skin color
- facial hair growth in females
- fractures
- hives, itching, rash
- joint or muscle pain
- loss of sexual desire or ability
- menstrual irregularities
- muscle wasting
- pain, tenderness, or swelling of the foot or leg
Other side effects of Megace ES
Some side effects of megestrol may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Acid or sour stomach
- belching
- decreased interest in sexual intercourse
- excess air or gas in the stomach or intestine
- heartburn
- inability to have or keep an erection
- indigestion
- loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
- stomach discomfort or upset
Less common
- Abnormal thinking
- burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
- confusion
- change in vision
- constipation
- increased salivation
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to megestrol: compounding powder, oral suspension, oral tablet.
Endocrine
Very common (10% or more): Adrenal insufficiency, cushingoid, Cushing's syndrome[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Very common (10% or more): Thrombophlebitis, hypertension, hot flush
Common (1% to 10%): Cardiac failure, chest pain, cardiomyopathy, palpitation
Postmarketing reports: Deep vein thrombosis, thromboembolic phenomena[Ref]
Hematologic
Common (1% to 10%): Leukopenia[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Very common (10% or more): Constipation
Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal pain[Ref]
Genitourinary
Common (1% to 10%): Pollakiuria, menorrhagia, erectile dysfunction, albuminuria, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infection, gynecomastia[Ref]
Respiratory
Very common (10% or more): Pulmonary embolism (sometimes fatal), dyspnea
Common (1% to 10%): Cough, pharyngitis, lung disorder[Ref]
Dermatologic
Common (1% to 10%): Rash, alopecia, moniliasis
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Herpes, pruritus, vesiculobullous rash, sweating, skin disorder[Ref]
Nervous system
Common (1% to 10%): Carpal tunnel syndrome, lethargy, paresthesia, convulsion, neuropathy, hypesthesia[Ref]
Oncologic
Common (1% to 10%): Tumor flare (with or without hypercalcemia), sarcoma[Ref]
Other
Very common (10% or more): Asthenia, pain, edema
Common (1% to 10%): Edema, peripheral edema[Ref]
Ocular
Common (1% to 10%): Amblyopia[Ref]
Metabolic
Very common (10% or more): Diabetes mellitus, glucose tolerance impaired, hyperglycemia, increased appetite, weight gain
Common (1% to 10%): LDH increased
Postmarketing reports: Glucose intolerance[Ref]
Psychiatric
Common (1% to 10%): Mood altered, confusion, depression[Ref]
