Side Effects of Megestrol Acetate

Serious Adverse Events

The American Society of Clinical Oncology notes that megestrol acetate is associated with a higher risk of death compared to placebo, with a relative risk of 1.42 and a 95% confidence interval of 1.04 to 1.94 2
The American Society of Clinical Oncology also reports that megestrol acetate is associated with a significantly increased risk of thromboembolic events, with a relative risk of 1.84 and a 95% confidence interval of 1.07 to 3.18 2

The American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends that the benefits and risks of megestrol acetate be carefully assessed, as the weight gain associated with its use is primarily adipose tissue rather than skeletal muscle 3
The American Society of Clinical Oncology suggests that optimal dosing for appetite stimulation in cancer patients appears to be between 480-800 mg per day, with higher doses associated with greater improvement in weight 2
The American Society of Clinical Oncology notes that corticosteroid-like effects limit long-term use of megestrol acetate, particularly in patients with longer life expectancy 3

Regular assessment for thromboembolic phenomena is essential due to the significant increased risk associated with megestrol acetate 1, 2
The American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends assessing adrenal function in patients on long-term megestrol acetate therapy 3
Monitoring weight changes is also recommended, as weight gain is common but not necessarily indicative of improved muscle mass 1