According to the National Institutes of Health, Megace, generically known as megestrol, is a drug used to treat extreme weight loss and loss of appetite in patients suffering from diseases like AIDS and cancer. Megace is also used in the treatment of advanced breast cancer and endometrial cancer. Megace use may lead to several problems.
Birth Defects
Drugs.com states that Megace should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women. Megace is a man-made chemical similar to female hormone progesterone and may cause abnormal development of sexual organs especially in male fetuses. Megace is also excreted in breast milk and may cause harm to nursing babies.
Blood Clots
According to Drugs.com, Megace may cause blood clots in blood vessels and should be avoided by patients with histories of blood clots and heart diseases that cause blood clots. A blood clot, or thrombus, occurs when blood hardens from liquid to solid inside blood vessels. Blood clots block the flow of blood to the heart which may lead to heart attack. Blood clots may also break off and travel to the lungs, causing problems breathing, or travel to the brain and cause a stroke. Signs of blood clots include sudden severe headache, swelling in arm or legs, changes in vision, calf pain and tenderness.
Cushing's Syndrome
According to Drugs.com, chronic use of Megace can lead to Cushing's syndrome. Cushing's syndrome occurs when the body is exposed to high levels of cortisol, and Megace causes overproduction of cortisol. Signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include upper body obesity, thin arms and legs, skin that bruises easily, high blood pressure, depression, fatigue, round moon face, acne and purple marks on the skin.
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