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Brand Name: Megace Oral Suspension, Megace ES  |
Drug Class: Opportunistic Infection and Other Drugs
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Megestrol acetate, also known as Megace, is a type of medicine called an anticachectic. Anticachectics are drugs that cause weight gain.
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HIV/AIDS-Related Uses
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Megestrol acetate was approved by the FDA on September 10, 1993, for use in the treatment of significant AIDS-related weight loss. This medicine does not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS and does not reduce the risk of passing the virus to other people.
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Dosage Form/Administration
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Megestrol acetate comes in tablet and oral suspension form and is taken by mouth.
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Contraindications
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Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems before taking this medicine.
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Possible Side Effects
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Along with its desired effects, megestrol acetate can cause some unwanted effects. Serious side effects of this medicine include high blood pressure, diabetes, inflammation of the blood vessels, congestive heart failure, seizures, and pneumonia. Individuals should tell a doctor if they have symptoms of any of these side effects.
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Other side effects may not be serious and may lessen or disappear with continued use of the medicine. Less serious side effects of this medicine include diarrhea, excess gas, nausea, vomiting, constipation, heartburn, dry mouth, increased salivation, and thrush; impotence or decreased sex drive; frequent urination, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infection, and vaginal bleeding and discharge (including breakthrough bleeding); disease of the heart muscle, palpitation, chest pain, chest pressure, and swelling; shortness of breath, cough, sore throat, lung disorders, and rapid breathing; trouble sleeping; headache; weakness; numbness; and confusion, seizures, depression, and abnormal thinking. Individuals should tell a doctor if these side effects continue or are bothersome.
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Drug and Food Interactions
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A doctor should be notified of any other medications being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications.
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Clinical Trials
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Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Megestrol acetate.
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Manufacturer Information
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Megestrol acetate
Par Pharmaceutical, Inc
One Ram Ridge Road
Spring Valley, NY 10977
(800) 828-9393
Megace Oral Suspension
Bristol - Myers Squibb Co
PO Box 4500
Princeton, NJ 08543-4500
(800) 321-1335
Megace ES
Par Pharmaceutical, Inc
One Ram Ridge Road
Spring Valley, NY 10977
(800) 828-9393
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Updated April 9, 2007
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