Megestrol

What is Megestrol?

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:

• 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.

Brand Name:

Ovaban (Schering-Plough)

Generic Name:

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.

What is the most important information I should know about megestrol:

Notify your veterinarian if your pet develops any side effects while taking megestrol.

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 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.