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. Megestrol requires a prescription from your veterinarian, and is sold per tablet.
For: Dogs
Benefits:
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Easy to administer
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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.
More Information:
Brand Name Ovaban (Schering-Plough)
Generic Name Megestrol
What is the most important information I should know about megestrol: Notify your veterinarian if your pet develops any side effects while taking megestrol.
What is megestrol: Megestrol is a synthetic chemical similar to the female hormone progesterone. Megestrol is a prescription medication FDA approved for use in dogs. Megestrol is available as 20mg scored tablets. Megestrol is used to postpone estrus (female heat cycle) and to alleviate false pregnancy. When used to postpone estrus, the dose and duration of treatment depends on the stage of the cycle when therapy is begun. When used to treat false pregnancy, the usual dose is 1mg/pound given once a day for 8 days. Megestrol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving megestrol: Tell your veterinarian if your pet has diabetes or a history of blood clots, Addison¿s disease, uterine disease or congestive heart failure. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or if your pet is lactating.
How should this medication be given: 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.
What happens if I miss 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.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Call your veterinarian or veterinary emergency room.
What should I avoid while giving megestrol: 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.
What are the 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.
What other drugs will affect megestrol: Tell your veterinarian if your pet is given insulin. Megestrol may decrease the effect of insulin and your pet¿s blood sugar may increase. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with megestrol. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medications.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about megestrol written for health professionals that you may read.
Call your veterinarian for medical advice about any side effects to your pet. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Directions:
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Megestrol is a prescription medication used to postpone the female heat cycle (estrus) and to treat false pregnancy in dogs.
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Megestrol should not be given to dogs prior to or during their first estrus cycle, or to pregnant dogs.
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Megestrol is a synthetic chemical similar to the female hormone progesterone.
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Megestrol is for use in dogs only. Do not give to cats.
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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:
Horses:
Storage: Should be stored at room temperature and protect from light.
Vet gave "ovaban" to my kitty for a skin condition; said it is a fungal condition. Montgomery pulled out his hair and bit at his skin until it was gooey and runny! Horrible. I quarter a 20 mg pill and his condition totally cleared up.
I have not yet tried this product but would like to comment on the above review. This is not the same product as the human Plan B. Plan B is levonorgestrel, NOT Megestrol. Megestrol is used to treat other medical conditions in humans not related to pregnancy prevention. Do not purchase this product thinking that it is going to prevent pregnancy.
Other than an allergic reaction, sudden severe headache; changes in vision; and swelling in a leg are side effects that can occur. 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, sweating, and insomnia. I would counsel, based on your comments, that you have this discussion with your veterinarian and then make an informed decision as to how to treat your pet.
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
The dose and how long a prescription medication is taken is a decision made by your vet.
3 years, 5 months ago
by
jenn
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0
A:
When used to postpone estrus(HEAT CYCLE), the dose and duration of treatment depends on the stage of the cycle when therapy is begun. When used to treat false pregnancy, the usual dose is 1mg/pound given once a day for 8 days.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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