megestrol acetate

Megestrol is a synthetic chemical similar to the female hormone progesterone and is used to postpone estrus (female's heat cycle) and help end a false pregnancy.

For: Dogs

Benefits:

• Easy to administer
• FDA approved for use in dogs

How it works: Megestrol is a female hormone that through its actions regulates the female heat cycle and can be used to alleviate false pregnancy.

Cautions: Megestrol should not be used in pregnant animals. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given insulin. Megestrol may decrease the effect of insulin and your pet’s blood sugar may increase. Also contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences increased thirst or urination, depression, mammary gland enlargement, temperament changes, vaginal discharge, vomiting, or yellow gums while being treated with Megestrol. Other drugs may also interact with Megestrol, so talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before using any prescription or over-the-counter medications.

 

Ingredients

Megestrol: Active Ingredients (per tablet) Amount Megestrol 20 mg Other Ingredients: Acacia Spray Dried, Colloidal Silicon Dioxide, Corn Starch, Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate Powder, Lactose Hydrous Impalpable, Magnesium Stearate, and Pregelatinized Starch.

Directions

Directions:

• Megestrol is a prescription medication used to postpone the female heat cycle (estrus) and to treat false pregnancy in dogs.
• Megestrol should not be given to dogs prior to or during their first estrus cycle, or to pregnant dogs.
• Megestrol is a synthetic chemical similar to the female hormone progesterone.
• Megestrol is for use in dogs only. Do not give to cats.
• Allow pet to drink plenty of water.

Tip: Megestrol tablets may be given whole or crushed and mixed in food.

Dosage: Pet Weight Dosage Dogs: All weights When used to postpone estrus, the dose and duration of treatments depends on the stage of the cycle when therapy is begun. When used to treat false pregnancy, the usual dose is 1mg/lb of pet’s body weight given once a day for 8 days Cats: X X Horses: X X Storage: Should be stored at room temperature and protect from light.

Dosage & Administration: Give this megestrol exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions, ask your pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Allow pet to drink plenty of water. Megestrol tablets may be given whole or crushed and mixed in food. Store megestrol at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Possible side effects of Megestrol: If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving megestrol and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or hives), sudden severe headache; changes in vision; swelling in a leg. Other less serious side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian if your pet experiences nausea or vomiting, dizziness, mild shortness of breath, weakness, headache, vaginal bleeding, sweating, and insomnia. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

If you miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose that was missed and give only the next regularly scheduled dose, as directed. Do not give a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian.

If you overdose the pet: Call your veterinarian or veterinary emergency room.

If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any of the above signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid while giving Megestrol to my pet: There are no restrictions on food or activity during treatment with megestrol unless your veterinarian directs otherwise. Do not give megestrol to pregnant dogs or dogs with mammary tumors. Megestrol should not be given for more than two consecutive treatments.