Megace

Has anyone used this drug?  What were the side effects?

Thanks,
Judy C.

[PF_PVD]

I am on 800 mg of megace in two daily doses.  Anyway, I read that it is used to treat some forms of cancer, but I am receiving it purely to stimulate my appetite due to significant weight loss.  I hate the idea of taking steroids and synthetic hormones, but I am putting up with it as it is what is going to get me off of my current 12 hours of TPN nightly and fatten me up so I can resume my chemo.  I hate being hooked up to a pump in my own home.  It's like a secret life--by day I'm a normal eating person, and by night I'm a cancer patient!  As far as side effects go, it is difficult to say if I have any as I was released from the hospital with a number of new medications plus the TPN which can have it's own side effects, so I don't know what could be attributed to the the megace specifically.  The most common side effects listed on the drug pamphlet are the ususal suspects--weight gain, stomach upset, darrhea, gas, trouble sleeping, decreased libido, or fever.

BTW, this is about the nastiest stuff I have ever tasted and it smells the same.  I've worked it out so I taste nothing.  Don't smell it,hHold my nose, swallow the dose, drink and rinse with water, and start chewing on a saltine.  Unplug nose and finish saltine.  I never taste a thing.  Good luck.  Paula

[JC145]

Well, thanks for the info.  The LAST thing I need is weight gain.  I've maintained the same weight (a little on the heavier side) since my first post-op visit.  I have read where megace increases apetite .. yipeeeeeeeeee.  I didn't realize it was a liquid either.

I've been lucky with the tamoxifen, but my numbers are barely creeping up and I THINK my MD wants me to do both tamoxifen and megace.

If I can be honest, I'm so scared for the  CA to take off again.  I have been out of chemo since 12/06!  I feel normal for the most part and I think when it all come roaring back, it will be harder than the first time.  I truly realize how blessed I am.  

Good luck with everything ... will be praying you get a break as well.

Judy C.

[PF_PVD]

I think that weight gain will depend on the dosage, so I'd check into that before dismissing the idea.  A lower dosage may help you but not stimulate your appetite.  Also, it does come in pill form, but I would have to take either 5 or 10 pills to equal the liquid does, so I stuck with the liquid and my trusty saltines. Again, you could look into that.  Paula