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Megestrol ES
Available by prescription only, megestrol ES is an extra-strength medication used to help stimulate appetite in people with AIDS. It is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring hormone in the body called progesterone. Clinical studies have shown that this medicine can improve appetite and cause weight gain. Possible side effects may include gas, a rash, and diarrhea.
Megestrol ES (Megace® ES) is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of loss of appetite, malnutrition, and unexplained, significant weight loss in people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is a synthetic (laboratory-made) derivative of the naturally occurring hormone progesterone.
Megestrol ES is an extra-strength form of the medication megestrol (Megace®) oral suspension. This means megestrol ES contains more of the active ingredient megestrol acetate per mL than megestrol oral suspension. As a result, lower doses of megestrol ES can be given to produce the same effects.
Megestrol also comes in a tablet form. The tablet form of megestrol is approved to relieve the symptoms of advanced breast and endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus). Brand-name megestrol tablets have been discontinued by the manufacturer and are no longer available in the United States. However, they are still available in generic form.
(Click What Is Megestrol ES Used For? for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH, BCPP
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD