Megestrol Acetate: Potential Side Effects and Considerations

Question
What are the side effects for Megestrol Acetate

Answer
Possible side effects
Because people react to drugs in different ways it is not possible to predict who is going to have side effects. Many women who take megestrol have no side effects at all while others will experience them. Very rarely if side effects are severe you may have to stop taking the drug and a different hormonal drug may be prescribed.

Usually, the side effects of megestrol are considered to be few and mild.

The most commonly reported side effect is an increase in appetite, causing some people to put on weight. Dieting can help to control this but you should consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet.

Some women have experienced mild ankle swelling caused by fluid retention and occasionally feelings of sickness (nausea) for the first few weeks of taking megestrol, but often the nausea then disappears. Some women find that the nausea continues.

Women who have had any form of blood clot or inflammation of a vein should discuss this with their doctor before taking megestrol, because it may have an effect on the circulation of blood.

Very rarely allergic reactions, jaundice and raised blood pressure have been reported.