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Megestrol Coupon - Megestrol 40mg tablet

megestrol oral tablet

Generic Megace
Used for Breast Cancer, Uterine Cancer, Weight Gain
Used for Breast Cancer, Uterine Cancer, Weight Gain

Megestrol oral tablet is a progestin medication used to help relieve symptoms in people with advanced breast or endometrial (uterine) cancer that can’t be removed or has spread to other parts of the body. It’s a type of palliative treatment, which focuses on improving quality of life rather than curing the cancer. The dose is usually taken by mouth two to four times a day. Side effects include weight gain, increased appetite, and vaginal bleeding.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Julia Lee, PharmD, BCOP
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on April 7, 2025
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Megestrol oral tablet?

What is Megestrol oral tablet used for?

How Megestrol oral tablet works

Megestrol oral tablet is a progestin, which is a man-made form of the natural hormone progesterone.

It’s not completely clear how this medication works to treat cancer, but it’s thought it helps by affecting hormone levels in your body.

For endometrial (uterine) cancer, it might lower estrogen levels by blocking signals from the brain. For breast cancer, it might block the effects of estrogen, which some cancer cells need to grow.

Are you looking for information on megestrol oral suspension for AIDS instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsMegace (brand name no longer available)
Drug ClassProgestin
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Megestrol oral tablet?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Weight gain
  • Increased appetite
  • High blood sugar

Other Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Hair loss
  • High blood pressure
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Mood changes
  • Hot flashes
  • Feeling unwell or weak
  • Sweating
  • Skin rash

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Blood clots: legs (pain, swelling, warm to the touch, redness), lungs (trouble breathing, chest pain, cough)

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with their needed effects, progestins used in high doses sometimes cause some unwanted effects such as blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes, or problems of the liver and eyes. Although these effects are rare, some of them can be very serious and cause death. It is not clear if these problems are due to the progestin. They may be caused by the disease or condition for which progestins are being used.

The following side effects may be caused by blood clots. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they need immediate medical attention.

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Symptoms of blood clotting problems, usually severe or sudden, such as:

headache or migraine

loss of or change in speech, coordination, or vision

numbness of or pain in chest, arm, or leg

unexplained shortness of breath

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Changes in vaginal bleeding (increased amounts of menstrual bleeding occurring at regular monthly periods, lighter vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods, heavier vaginal bleeding between regular monthly periods, or stopping of menstrual periods)

symptoms of blood sugar problems (dry mouth, frequent urination, loss of appetite, or unusual thirst)

Less common

Mental depression

skin rash

unexpected or increased flow of breast milk

Rare

For megestrol—During chronic treatment

Backache

dizziness

filling or rounding out of the face

irritability

mental depression

nausea or vomiting

unusual decrease in sexual desire or ability in men

unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects 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

Abdominal pain or cramping

bloating or swelling of ankles or feet

blood pressure increase (mild)

dizziness

drowsiness (progesterone only)

headache (mild)

mood changes

nervousness

pain or irritation at place of injection site

swelling of face, ankles, or feet

unusual or rapid weight gain

Less common

Acne

breast pain or tenderness

brown spots on exposed skin, possibly long-lasting

hot flashes

loss or gain of body, facial, or scalp hair

loss of sexual desire

trouble in sleeping

Not all of the side effects listed above have been reported for each of these medicines, but they have been reported for at least one of them. All of the progestins are similar, so any of the above side effects may occur with any of these medicines.

After you stop using this medicine, your body may need time to adjust. The length of time this takes depends on the amount of medicine you were using and how long you used it. During this period of time check with your doctor if you notice the following side effect:

Delayed return to fertility

stopping of menstrual periods

unusual menstrual bleeding (continuing)

For megestrol

Dizziness

nausea or vomiting

unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Megestrol oral tablet

thumbs-up

Pros

Tablet taken by mouth

Can boost appetite and support weight gain

Helps manage symptoms in advanced breast or endometrial (uterine) cancer

thumbs-down

Cons

Not a cure

Raises the risk for blood clots

Must take a dose multiple times a day

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Megestrol oral tablet

pharmacist

  • Megestrol oral tablet comes in 20 mg and 40 mg, so you might need to take more than one tablet to make up each dose.

    • You might need to take megestrol oral tablet together with other cancer treatments. Follow your oncologist’s instructions on how to take all your medications safely.

      • Megestrol oral tablet can raise your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels regularly. Let your care team know if you feel very thirsty, very hungry, or are urinating more than usual.

        • Megestrol oral tablet can cause blood clots. Get medical help right away if you have leg or arm pain, swelling, or warmth, or if you have chest pain or trouble breathing.

          • Since megestrol oral tablet affects your hormone levels, don’t stop taking it suddenly without talking to your oncologist. Stopping too quickly can cause symptoms like dizziness, low energy, or menstrual spotting.

            • Megestrol oral tablet can cause harm to an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. If you can get pregnant, use non-hormonal birth control while taking this medication, and talk to your oncologist right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Megestrol oral tablet

              How long does megestrol oral tablet stay in your system?
              It takes about 5 to 7 days for megestrol oral tablet to fully leave your system. This is based on studies showing an average half-life of about 34 hours, though the timing can vary from person to person.
              What happens when you stop taking megestrol oral tablet?
              If you’ve been taking megestrol oral tablet for a long time and plan to stop, talk to your oncologist first. They might recommend slowly lowering the dose instead of stopping suddenly. That’s because megestrol oral tablet can affect your hormone levels, and stopping too quickly can lead to symptoms of hormone imbalances like feeling very weak, tired, dizzy, nauseous, or vomiting.
              Can megestrol oral tablet cause bleeding?
              Yes, megestrol oral tablet can cause vaginal bleeding as a side effect. This might happen because megestrol oral tablet is a hormone-based medication (a progestin), which can affect your body’s natural hormone levels. If you notice unexpected or unusual bleeding while taking this medication, let your oncologist know.
              Does megestrol oral tablet cause weight gain?
              Yes. Weight gain is a common side effect of megestrol oral tablet. In fact, some oncologists prescribe the suspension form off-label to improve appetite and support weight gain in people who are frail or losing weight due to cancer.
              Can megestrol oral tablet be used in males with breast cancer?
              Yes, megestrol oral tablet can be used in males with breast cancer, especially in advanced cases where the cancer has spread or can’t be removed with surgery. Talk to your oncologist if you have more questions about whether this medication is right for you.
              What’s the difference between the megestrol oral tablet and megestrol oral suspension?
              Megestrol oral tablet and megestrol oral suspension are different forms of the same active ingredient, so they share similar side effects. But they are used to treat different conditions. Megestrol oral tablet is FDA approved for advanced breast and endometrial (uterine) cancer, while megestrol oral suspension is approved to treat low appetite and weight gain due to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). For this reason, the two forms shouldn’t be substituted for each other. Discuss with your oncologist to learn more about the differences between these medications.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Megestrol oral tablet?

              Megestrol oral tablet can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Blood clots

              Megestrol oral tablet can cause blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a clot in the leg, and pulmonary embolism (PE), which is a clot in the lungs. Call your prescriber right away if you notice symptoms like leg swelling, chest pain, or trouble breathing.

              risk-warning

              Harm to unborn baby

              Megestrol oral tablet can cause harm to an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. In animal studies, high doses led to developmental changes. To be safe, don’t take this medication if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If you can become pregnant, use non-hormonal birth control while taking this medication. Tell your oncologist right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

              risk-warning

              Lower adrenal gland function

              • Risk factors: Taking megestrol oral tablet long term | Stress such as trauma, injury, or infection

                Taking megestrol oral tablet for a long time can affect your adrenal glands, which help your body handle stress. Some people have developed Cushing's syndrome (too much steroid hormone) or adrenal insufficiency (not enough steroid hormone). This can happen while you're taking the medication or even after stopping. Watch for signs like low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or weakness, especially if you're sick or having surgery. Tell your prescriber right away if you have any of these symptoms — they might need to do tests or give you another medication to help.

                risk-warning

                Diabetes

                • Risk factors: Taking megestrol oral tablet long term

                  Taking megestrol oral tablet for a long time can raise your blood sugar levels, which can lead to diabetes or make existing diabetes worse. Let your prescriber know if you have a history of high blood sugar or notice symptoms like frequent thirst, frequent urination, excessive hunger, or weakness.

                  dosage

                  Megestrol oral tablet dosage forms

                  The average cost for 60 tablets of 40mg of Megestrol oral tablet is $23.43 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 55.18% off the average retail price of $52.27.
                  tablet
                  Tablet
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  20mg60 tablets$17.12$0.29
                  40mg60 tablets$23.43$0.39

                  Typical dosing for Megestrol oral tablet

                  You’ll need to take megestrol oral tablet for at least 2 months to see if it’s helping treat your cancer.

                  • Breast cancer: The typical dose is 40 mg by mouth four times a day.

                  • Endometrial (uterine) cancer: The typical dose ranges from 40 mg to 320 mg by mouth per day, split into divided doses

                  interactions

                  Interactions between Megestrol oral tablet and other drugs

                  Megestrol oral tablet may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Megestrol oral tablet. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking any of these medicines, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

                  Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with a medication in this class or change some of the other medicines you take.

                  Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Megestrol oral tablet?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Megestrol oral tablet. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Megestrol oral tablet
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                  Anastrozole (Arimidex)
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                  • Early stage HR+ breast cancer in postmenopausal women

                  • Advanced or metastatic HR+ breast cancer in postmenopausal women

                  • Advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women that's getting worse after treatment with tamoxifen

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                  Megestrol oral tablet images

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                  Megestrol Coupon - Megestrol 40mg tablet
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                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  Leinung, M. C., et al. (1995). Induction of adrenal suppression by megestrol acetate in patients with AIDS. Annals of Internal Medicine.

                  National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2018). Symptoms & causes of adrenal insufficiency & Addison's disease.

                  Roeland, E. J., et al. (2020). Management of cancer cachexia: ASCO guideline. Journal of Clinical Oncology.

                  View All References (1)

                  Strides Pharma Science Limited. (2025). Megestrol acetate tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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