What is the side effect and precautions of Megestrol Acetate?

　　Megestrol acetate (CAS.NO 595-33-5) belongs to category f progestogen analogue drugs. Megace is an oral suspension that contains megestrol acetate, a synthetic derivative of the naturally occurring steroid hormone, progesterone. Progestogens are largely used as second or third line therapy in conditions such as cachexia, weight loss (as in HIV/AIDS), breast cancer and endometrial cancer.　　

Megestrol acetate,595-33-5

　　What are the possible side effects of megestrol acetate?
　　Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
　　Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
*high blood sugar (increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss);
*nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, or feeling like you might pass out;
*sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
*chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, fast heart rate; or
*high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion).
　　Less serious side effects may include:
*upset stomach;
*vaginal bleeding;
*mild skin rash;
*weakness,
*sleep problems (insomnia); or
*decreased interest in sex, impotence, trouble having an orgasm.
　　Precautions: Before taking megestrol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
　　Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: adrenal gland problems (e.g., Cushing's syndrome), blood clots, congestive heart failure, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney problems, unusual vaginal bleeding.
　　High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and worsening of diabetes may occur. Symptoms of high blood sugar include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately. People with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels more frequently when they start taking this medication and whenever the dose changes since they may need to change their doses of diabetic medications.
　　This drug may decrease adrenal gland activity. Make sure you tell your doctors and dentists of your megestrol acetate use and when you stopped using it. After stopping this drug, additional corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone or hydrocortisone) may be necessary in stressful situations such as trauma, major surgery or serious infection. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Symptoms of adrenal problems include unusual weakness, dizziness, nausea and rapid weight loss.
　　Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be more sensitive to this drug and to its side effects.
　　This medication must not be used during pregnancy. Megestrol may cause harm to your unborn baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Women of childbearing age should use an effective form of birth control while using this medication. Consult your doctor for more details.
　　Megestrol may pass into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.