Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Megestrol.
Blood Clots: Megestrol may increase the chance of blood clot formation, which will cause blood flow to organs or to the extremities to be reduced.
If you have a history of clotting, you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood clot-related problems such as Heart Attack, stroke, or clots in the deep veins of your leg. Discuss with your doctor how Megestrol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Megestrol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.
Diabetes: Megestrol acetate may cause a loss of control of diabetes by increasing blood sugar levels and changing glucose tolerance. If you have diabetes, you may find it necessary to monitor your blood sugar more frequently while using Megestrol.
If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Megestrol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Megestrol, and whether any special monitoring is needed. You may need to check your blood glucose levels more often.
Kidney Disease: Kidney disease or reduced kidney function may cause Megestrol to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how Megestrol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Megestrol, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Megestrol.
Osteoporosis: Long-term use of Megestrol can increase the risk of osteoporosis (brittle bones). Talk to your doctor about ways to help prevent osteoporosis. Your doctor will monitor your bone density if you take Megestrol for a long period of time.
Pregnancy: Megestrol acetate is not recommended for use during the first 4 months of pregnancy. Women should use effective birth control when taking megestrol. If you become pregnant while taking megestrol, tell your doctor right away.
Breast-feeding: Megestrol may pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking megestrol acetate, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Megestrol have not been established for children.