Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Megestrol as follows:
- Megestrol, secondary to the steroid activity it has, can result in retention of fluid. This can lead to elevated blood pressure, headache, dizziness, edema with swelling of hands and feet, and weight gain. This can be a serious issue, especially in individuals with history of poorly controlled hypertension. Acutely elevated blood pressure in these individuals can significantly increase the risk for development of stroke. Megestrol could be avoided or used with extreme caution in individuals with history of stroke and poorly controlled blood pressure.
- Megestrol is mainly metabolized in the liver. If liver function is deficient, the metabolism of megestrol can be compromised. This can lead to increased blood levels of the medication and metabolites for longer periods of time, resulting in increased risk for side-effects and consequent toxicity. So, megestrol could be avoided in individuals with hepatic dysfunction and an alternative medication considered or used with caution, with periodical monitoring for liver functions and development of any toxic symptoms.
- Megestrol is mainly excreted by the kidneys. Individuals with renal disease cannot excrete megestrol metabolites normally. The medication metabolites can stay in blood circulation for longer time, resulting in increased risk for side-effects and consequent toxicity. So, megestrol could be avoided in individuals with renal dysfunction and an alternative medication considered or used with caution, with periodical monitoring for renal function and development of any toxic symptoms.
