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Megestrol Acetate

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Megesterol acetate is used to postpone estrus and alleviate false pregnancy. It may be used in cats to treat behavior problems (i.e.inter-male aggressive behavior, urine spraying, aggression towards people). It has also been used to treat a variety of skin conditions.

How do I give this medication?

Give this medicine to your pet as directed by your veterinarian.
If the medicine is a liquid, measure the dose with reasonable care.
Try to give this medication at about the same time each day.
DO NOT give your pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give the drug more often than directed
DO NOT stop giving this medication to your pet unless directed by your veterinarian.
Try not to miss giving any doses.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children
Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature.
Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential Side Effects

The following side effects have been reported: excessive thirst, excessive urination, personality changes, drowsiness, and increased weight. In dogs, changes in hair color may occur.
Notify your veterinarian if mammary changes or if side effects are noted.
Other side effects may occur. If the pet experiences anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Possible Drug Interactions

Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.
Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
No drug interactions have been established. There is a potential megestrol acetate may interact with rifampin.
Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

The Pet Health Library contains information on some of the most common medical problems of dogs and cats. This information is designed to assist pet owners in better understanding their pets' health problems.

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