page_title_detailed
general_content

Megestrol acetate is a progestin hormonal therapy. Progestins are human-made medicines that act like the natural hormone progesterone.

Megestrol acetate is the only FDA approved medicine in this class that is used to treat metastatic breast cancer or its symptoms. In addition to treating the cancer, megestrol acetate can be used to help grow your appetite.

on_this_page
general_content

How megestrol acetate works

This medicine is a human-made form of the hormone progesterone. It works to counteract some of the negative effects of estrogen, a hormone that helps hormone receptor-positive breast cancers grow.

general_content

Who gets megestrol acetate

Megestrol acetate is given to women with metastatic breast cancer that continued to grow despite treatment with other hormonal therapies.

general_content

How megestrol acetate is given

Megestrol acetate is given as a pill or as liquid, usually once per day, but it may also be given in smaller doses to be taken at regular times during the day.

general_content

Side effects and things to remember

Possible side effects are:

Megestrol acetate increases the risk of blood clots. Call your doctor right away if you have sudden swelling in your leg, or shortness of breath and chest pain.

related_resources_article_carousel

Related resources

stay_connected

Stay connected

Sign up to receive emotional support, medical insight, personal stories, and more, delivered to your inbox weekly.

about_this_page_tabbed_module

Reviewed and updated: August 31, 2015

Reviewed by: Jennifer Winn, MD, MS

Tagged:

Was this page helpful?