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Megestrol

Megestrol is a brand of Megestrol.

Megestrol acetate oral suspension, USP is indicated for the treatment of anorexia, cachexia, or an unexplained, significant weight loss in patients wi.

Checked against the official label · Updated

Prescription medicine Oral Safety alerts on record

Megestrol: quick answers

Used for
Megestrol acetate oral suspension, USP is indicated for the treatment of anorexia, cachexia, or an unexplained, significant weight loss in patients with a diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Usual adult dose
Adult initial dosage of megestrol acetate oral suspension, USP is 800 mg/day (20 mL/day).
Prescription
Prescription medicine in the United States; rules differ by country.

From the official label (Jul 2026). Your prescription and pharmacist come first.

How to use Megestrol

What the official label says. If a doctor prescribed it, follow the prescription. Your pack's leaflet comes first if it is different.

Who it is for

Megestrol acetate oral suspension, USP is indicated for the treatment of anorexia, cachexia, or an unexplained, significant weight loss in patients with a diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

How to take it and how often
  • The recommended adult initial dosage of megestrol acetate oral suspension, USP is 800 mg/day (20 mL/day)
  • Shake container well before using
  • In clinical trials evaluating different dose schedules, daily doses of 400 and 800 mg/day were found to be clinically effective
Talk to a doctor first if
  • History of hypersensitivity to megestrol acetate or any component of the formulation
  • Known or suspected pregnancy
Warnings

Megestrol acetate may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. For animal data on fetal effects, (see PRECAUTIONS: Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility: Impairment of Fertility ). There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking (receiving) this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant. Megestrol acetate is not intended for prophylactic use to avoid weight loss. …

Possible side effects

Clinical Adverse Events: Adverse events which occurred in at least 5% of patients in any arm of the two clinical efficacy trials and the open trial are listed below by treatment group. All patients listed had at least one post baseline visit during the 12 study weeks. These adverse events should be considered by the physician when prescribing megestrol acetate oral suspension. ADVERSE EVENTS% of Patients Reporting Trial 1 (N = 236) Trail 2 (N=87) Open Label Trial Megestrol Acetate mg/day No. …

If you take too much

No serious unexpected side effects have resulted from studies involving megestrol acetate oral suspension administered in dosages as high as 1200 mg/day. In post-marketing experience, limited reports of overdose have been received. Signs and symptoms reported in the context of overdose included diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, cough, unsteady gait, listlessness, and chest pain. There is no specific antidote for overdose with megestrol acetate oral suspension. In case of overdose, appropriate supportive measures should be taken. …

If you miss a dose

Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.

From the official U.S. FDA label for this active ingredient. Your pack may have a different strength, so always read its leaflet. If a doctor prescribed it, follow the prescription. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure. Label dated 2026-07-09.

How much Megestrol costs

In other countries

Prices in other countries are not what you will pay where you live; they show how prices compare.

Same medicine, other brands

Products with Megestrol as the active ingredient. Names differ between countries.

Registered products

United States (FDA)

Megestrol AcetateMEGESTROL ACETATE 40 mg/1 · Tablet · Bryant Ranch Prepack
NDC 71335-2181Label
Megestrol AcetateMEGESTROL ACETATE 125 mg/mL · Suspension · Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC
NDC 24979-041Label
Megestrol AcetateMEGESTROL ACETATE 20 mg/1 · Tablet · Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.
NDC 0555-0606Label
Megestrol AcetateMEGESTROL ACETATE 40 mg/mL · Suspension · Preferred Pharmaceuticals Inc.
NDC 68788-8714Label
Megestrol AcetateMEGESTROL ACETATE 40 mg/1 · Tablet · Strides Pharma Science Limited
NDC 64380-159Label

Other countries: check your pack's registration number and we point you to your regulator.

Safety alerts and recalls

Megestrol Acetate Oral Suspension, USP 40 mg/mL, 240 mL bottles, Rx Only, Distributed by: Akorn Operating Company, LLC., Gurnee, IL 60031. ALL NDCsU.S. FDA Class II
26 Apr 2023 · Akorn, Inc. · OngoingCGMP Deviations: Firm went out of business and could no longer continue stability studies.
Megestrol Acetate Oral Suspension, USP 625 mg/5mL, 150 mL bottle, Rx only, Distributed by: Breckenridge Pharmaceutical, Inc. Boca Raton, FL 33487, Manufactured by: Pharmaceutics InU.S. FDA Class III
6 Nov 2018 · Breckenridge Pharmaceutical, Inc. · TerminatedFailed Stability Specifications: Out-of-Specification results obtained for particle size distribution during stability testing.
Megestrol Acetate Oral Suspension, USP 400 mg/mL, 10 mL (10 mL UD cups in boxes of 20 cups), Rx Only, Mfg. By: Par Pharmaceutical One Ram Ridge Rd Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977 Dist. ByU.S. FDA Class II
14 Aug 2018 · Mckesson Corporation · TerminatedSupterpotent Drug
Megestrol Acetate Oral Suspension, USP 400 mg/ 10mL (10 mL UD cups in boxes of 20 cups), Rx Only, Dist. By McKesson Packaging Services a business unit of McKesson Corporation 7101 U.S. FDA Class III
29 Jan 2018 · Mckesson Packaging Services · TerminatedSubpotent Drug: Out of specification for assay (stability testing)

A recall usually affects certain batches only. Compare the lot number on your pack.

Check your pack of Megestrol

Type the registration number on the pack, or scan it with your camera.

Or take photos of the pack
3 free checks left today Official sources: U.S. FDA · EMA (EU) · Health Canada · WHO alerts

Questions about Megestrol

What is in Megestrol?

Megestrol contains Megestrol. Other brands with the same active ingredient work the same way; the dose and strength on your pack are what matter.

What is Megestrol used for?

Megestrol acetate oral suspension, USP is indicated for the treatment of anorexia, cachexia, or an unexplained, significant weight loss in patients with a diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). (From the official U.S. FDA label.)

How do I take Megestrol?

Follow your prescription or the leaflet in your pack. The official label says: The recommended adult initial dosage of megestrol acetate oral suspension, USP is 800 mg/day (20 mL/day). Shake container well before using. In clinical trials evaluating different dose schedules, daily doses of 400 and 800 mg/day were found to be clinically effective.…

Do I need a prescription for Megestrol?

Usually yes. Megestrol is a prescription medicine in most countries. Rules differ by country.

What brands contain Megestrol?

Megestrol is sold under names such as Megestrol Acetate. Brand names differ between countries.

What are the side effects of Megestrol?

The official label lists: Clinical Adverse Events: Adverse events which occurred in at least 5% of patients in any arm of the two clinical efficacy trials and the open trial are listed below by treatment group. All patients listed had at least one post baseline visit during the 12 study weeks. These adverse events should be considered by the physician when prescribing megestrol acetate oral suspension.… Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

What happens if I take too much Megestrol?

No serious unexpected side effects have resulted from studies involving megestrol acetate oral suspension administered in dosages as high as 1200 mg/day. In post-marketing experience, limited reports of overdose have been received. Signs and symptoms reported in the context of overdose included diar… Get medical help right away.

How can I check that my Megestrol is genuine?

Scan the registration number on your pack with PillVera (NAFDAC number in Nigeria, NDC in the United States, DIN in Canada), check the expiry date and buy only from licensed pharmacies.

Sources

This page shows what official sources say, in plain words. It is not medical advice: your prescription and your doctor or pharmacist come first. Brand names, strengths and rules differ between countries.