Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Megestrol as follows:
- Megestrol intake, 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. Individuals, secondary to stroke can present with sudden weakness on one side of the body or any extremity, trouble speaking, and sudden deterioration of vision. Closely follow for these signs to be reported to your physician. Observe compliance with everyday blood pressure recordings and log maintenance of the readings. Report to your physician regarding any consistently elevated blood pressure numbers, for a possible appropriate change on your medications. Observe compliance with recommended hypertension management measures and dietary limitations suggested.
- Megestrol use carries the risk for clot formation, resulting in deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Individuals can present with symptoms such as, pain and swelling of extremities – especially swelling of the lower extremities with pain in the calf muscle, episode of sudden cough and shortness of breath, episode of chest pain, and any sudden vision changes. Discuss with your physician regarding your history of thrombus and clot formation, if any, and your safety with megestrol. Report to your physician regarding any of these findings of DVT and clot formation, for an appropriate change in your plan of care.
