Megestrol Acetate 40 mg/mL Suspension, 240 mL
🆔 Identity & classification
Where does this data come from?
🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Progestin class.
Where does this data come from?
🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
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🩺 Clinical
Megestrol tablets are used to relieve the symptoms and reduce the suffering caused by advanced breast cancer and advanced endometrial cancer (cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus). Megestrol suspension is used to treat loss of appetite, malnutrition, and severe weight loss in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Megestrol should not be used to prevent loss of appetite and severe weight loss in patients who have not yet developed this condition. Megestrol is a man-made version of the human hormone progesterone. It treats breast cancer and endometrial cancer by affe...
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- It depends on the form you have. The liquid suspension is used specifically to treat serious appetite loss and weight loss in people with AIDS — your doctor would have prescribed i...
- What exactly is megestrol acetate used for?
- Yes — the 125 mg/mL suspension can be taken with or without food, so you don't need to worry about timing it around meals. Just make sure to shake the bottle well before each dose....
- Can I take the oral suspension with food?
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Some supplements/herbs that may interact with Megestrol Acetate — tap one for details:
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Ask a licensed pharmacist directly — free, answered by our team.
🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.
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UNII 2968PHW8QP
A weak organic acid derived from citrus fruits or made through fermentation. It works as a buffer to control pH, a preservative to extend shelf life, and a flavoring agent in medications.
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UNII F05Q2T2JA0
Docusate sodium is a stool softener compound that helps medicines dissolve and move through the digestive tract. It acts as a surfactant, reducing surface tension in the intestines, and also serves as a wetting agent in tablet formulations.
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UNII PDC6A3C0OX
Glycerin is a clear, thick liquid derived from plant oils or fats. It acts as a humectant to retain moisture, a sweetener, and a solvent in medications.
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UNII OJ245FE5EU
Sodium benzoate is a salt derived from benzoic acid, a preservative. It's added to medicines to prevent growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that could spoil the product.
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UNII 1Q73Q2JULR
Sodium citrate is a salt derived from citric acid. It works as a buffer to maintain the medicine's pH level and may also help improve taste or act as a preservative in the formulation.
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UNII C151H8M554
A natural sugar derived from sugar cane or sugar beets. It's used as a sweetener, filler, and binder to improve taste, add bulk, and help hold tablet or capsule ingredients together.
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UNII TTV12P4NEE
Xanthan gum is a thickening and stabilizing ingredient made from fermented corn or other sugars. It's added to medicines to improve texture, prevent separation of liquids and solids, and help the product stay consistent.
7 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
Where does this data come from?
ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
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💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per mL | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | $0.136 | $32.52 / 240 ml |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | $0.1658 | $39.79 / 240 ml |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 | $0.1931 | $46.34 / 240 ml |
| Medicare Part B allowsASP · J8999 | No ASP payment limit on file for J8999 this quarter. | |
Where does this data come from?
🧾 Billing & reimbursement
Where does this data come from?
🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Megestrol Acetate 40 mg/mLthis 64380-0160-01 | Strides | 240 ml | $0.135 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Megestrol Acetate 40 mg/mL 70954-0896-10 | ANI | 240 ml | $0.135 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Megestrol Acetate 40 mg/mL 00116-4011-08 | Xttrium | 237 ml | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Megestrol Acetate 400 mg/10mL 00121-0945-00 | PAI | 10 cups | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Megestrol Acetate 400 mg/10mL 00121-1038-00 | PAI | 10 cups | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Megestrol Acetate 400 mg/10mL 00904-7577-18 | Major | 10 cups | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Megestrol Acetate 40 mg/mL 17856-0060-03 | ATLANTIC | 72 cups | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Megestrol Acetate 40 mg/mL 51407-0910-24 | Golden | 240 ml | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Megestrol Acetate 40 mg/mL 60687-0916-08 | American | 10 cups | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Megestrol Acetate 40 mg/mL 68094-0063-61 | Precision | 10 cups | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Megestrol Acetate 40 mg/mL 68094-0174-62 | Precision | 10 cups | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Megestrol Acetate 40 mg/mL 68788-8714-02 | Preferred | 240 ml | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Megestrol Acetate 40 mg/mL 69339-0160-16 | Natco | 10 cups | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Megestrol Acetate 40 mg/mL 81033-0150-43 | Kesin | 30 cups | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
Where does this data come from?
⏳ Availability & generic status
This product is an FDA-approved generic. Other versions of the same drug are listed under Therapeutic equivalents, least expensive first.
Where does this data come from?
🗺️ Medicaid utilization & spend
💊 Medicaid utilization by pack size
📊 Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)
🔬 Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Top reported reactions
Reporter sex
Serious outcomes
Where does this data come from?
📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Per unit | Per pack | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64380-0160-01 You're viewing this | 240 mL in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (64380-160-01) | $0.1355 / mL | $32.52 | 2022-03-21 | Active |
| 64380-0160-02 | 480 mL in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (64380-160-02) | $0.1319 / mL | $63.32 | 2022-03-21 | Active |
You're viewing the smallest of 2 pack sizes for this product.
Per mL, this pack runs about 3% above the cheapest pack (480 mL, $0.1319 vs $0.1355 NADAC).
In Medicaid, this is the most-dispensed pack of this product — about 77% of fills over the last four reported quarters. See all packs ↓
Pack size FAQ
What quantity is in NDC 64380-0160-01?
What is the difference between NDC 64380-0160-01 and NDC 64380-0160-02?
What NDC number is used to bill for this package of Megestrol Acetate 40 mg/mL Suspension?
Prices are the latest CMS NADAC pharmacy acquisition cost per NDC; per-pack figures are per-unit × pack quantity, shown only when the pack is denominated in the same measure NADAC prices.
📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Megestrol acetate oral suspension, USP is indicated for the treatment of anorexia, cachexia, or an unexplained, significant weight loss in patients with a diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended adult initial dosage of megestrol acetate oral suspension, USP is 800 mg/day (20 mL/day). Shake container well before using. In clinical trials evaluating different dose schedules, daily doses of 400 and 800 mg/day were found to be clinically effective.
⛔ Contraindications ▾
CONTRAINDICATIONS History of hypersensitivity to megestrol acetate or any component of the formulation. Known or suspected pregnancy.
⚠️ Warnings ▾
WARNINGS Megestrol acetate may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. For animal data on fetal effects, (see PRECAUTIONS: Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility: Impairment of Fertility ). There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking (receiving) this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant. Megestrol acetate is not intended for prophylactic use to avoid weight loss.
(See also PRECAUTIONS: Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility section.) The glucocorticoid activity of megestrol acetate oral suspension has not been fully evaluated. Clinical cases of new onset diabetes mellitus, exacerbation of pre-existing diabetes mellitus, and overt Cushing's Syndrome have been reported in association with the chronic use of megestrol acetate. In addition, clinical cases of adrenal insufficiency have been observed in patients receiving or being withdrawn from chronic megestrol acetate therapy in the stressed and non-stressed state.
Furthermore, adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) stimulation testing has revealedthe frequent occurrence of asymptomatic pituitary-adrenal suppression in patients treated with chronic megestrol acetate therapy. Therefore, the possibility of adrenal insufficiency should be considered in any patient receiving or being withdrawn from chronic megestrol acetate therapy who presents with symptoms and/or signs suggestive of hypoadrenalism (e.g., hypotension, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or weakness) in either the stressed or non-stressed state.
Laboratory evaluation for adrenal insufficiency and consideration of replacement or stress doses of a rapidly acting glucocorticoid are strongly recommended in such patients. Failure to recognize inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis may result in death. Finally, in patients who are receiving or being withdrawn from chronic megestrol acetate therapy, consideration should be given to the use of empiric therapy with stress doses of a rapidly acting glucocorticoid in conditions of stress or serious intercurrent illness (e.g., surgery, infection).
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
ADVERSE REACTIONS Clinical Adverse Events: Adverse events which occurred in at least 5% of patients in any arm of the two clinical efficacy trials and the open trial are listed below by treatment group. All patients listed had at least one post baseline visit during the 12 study weeks. These adverse events should be considered by the physician when prescribing megestrol acetate oral suspension.
ADVERSE EVENTS% of Patients Reporting Trial 1 (N = 236) Trail 2 (N=87) Open Label Trial Megestrol Acetate mg/day No. of Patients Placebo 0 N=34 100 N=68 400 N=69 800 N=65 Placebo 0 N=38 800 N=49 1200 N=176 Diarrhea 15 13 8 15 8 6 10 Impotence 3 4 6 14 0 4 7 Rash 9 9 4 12 3 2 6 Flatulence 9 0 1 9 3 10 6 Hypertension 0 0 0 8 0 0 4 Asthenia 3 2 3 6 8 4 5 Insomnia 0 3 4 6 0 0 1 Nausea 9 4 0 5 3 4 5 Anemia 6 3 3 5 0 0 0 Fever 3 6 4 5 3 2 1 Libido Decreased 3 4 0 5 0 2 1 Dyspepsia 0 0 3 3 5 4 2 Hyperglycemia 3 0 6 3 0 0 3 Headache 6 10 1 3 3 0 3 Pain 6 0 0 2 5 6 4 Vomiting 9 3 0 2 3 6 4 Pneumonia 6 0 2 2 3 0 1 Urinary Frequency 0 0 1 2 5 2 1 Adverse events which occurred in 1 to 3% of all patients enrolled in the two clinical efficacy trials with at least one follow-up visit during the first 12 weeks of the study are listed below by body system.
Adverse events occurring less than 1% are not included. There were no significant differences between incidence of these events in patients treated with megestrol acetate and patients treated with placebo. Body as a Whole - abdominal pain, chest pain, infection, moniliasis and sarcoma Cardiovascular System - cardiomyopathy and palpitation Digestive System - constipation, dry mouth, hepatomegaly, increased salivation and oral moniliasis Hemic and Lymphatic System - leukopenia Metabolic and Nutritional - LDH increased, edema and peripheral edema Nervous System - paresthesia, confusion, convulsion, depression, neuropathy, hypesthesia and abnormal thinking Respiratory System - dyspnea, cough, pharyngitis and lung disorder Skin and Appendages - alopecia, herpes, pruritus, vesiculobullous rash, sweating and skin disorder Special Senses - amblyopia Urogenital System - albuminuria, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infection and gynecomastia Postmarketing - Postmarketing reports associated with megestrol acetate oral suspension include thromboembolic phenomena including thrombophlebitis and pulmonary embolism and glucose intolerance (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS ).
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Strides Pharma Inc. at 1-877-244-9825 or go to www.strides.com or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
🆘 Overdosage ▾
OVERDOSAGE No serious unexpected side effects have resulted from studies involving megestrol acetate oral suspension administered in dosages as high as 1200 mg/day. In post-marketing experience, limited reports of overdose have been received. Signs and symptoms reported in the context of overdose included diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, cough, unsteady gait, listlessness, and chest pain.
There is no specific antidote for overdose with megestrol acetate oral suspension. In case of overdose, appropriate supportive measures should be taken. Megestrol acetate has not been tested for dialyzability, however, due to its low solubility it is postulated that dialysis would not be an effective means of treating overdose
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY The precise mechanism by which megestrol acetate produces effects in anorexia and cachexia is unknown at the present time. There are several analytical methods used to estimate megestrol acetate plasma concentrations, including gas chromatography-mass fragmentography (GC-MF), high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and radioimmunoassay (RIA). The GC-MF and HPLC methods are specific for megestrol acetate and yield equivalent concentrations.
The RIA method reacts to megestrol acetate metabolites and is, therefore, non-specific and indicates higher concentrations than the GC-MF and HPLC methods. Plasma concentrations are dependent, not only on the method used, but also on intestinal and hepatic inactivation of the drug, which may be affected by factors such as intestinal tract motility, intestinal bacteria, antibiotics administered, body weight, diet and liver function. The major route of drug elimination in humans is urine.
When radiolabeled megestrol acetate was administered to humans in doses of 4 to 90 mg, the urinary excretion within 10 days ranged from 56.5 to 78.4% (mean 66.4%) and fecal excretion ranged from 7.7 to 30.3% (mean 19.8%). The total recovered radioactivity varied between 83.1 and 94.7% (mean 86.2%). Megestrol acetate metabolites which were identified in urine constituted 5 to 8% of the dose administered.
Respiratory excretion as labeled carbon dioxide and fat storage may have accounted for at least part of the radioactivity not found in urine and feces. Plasma steady state pharmacokinetics of megestrol acetate were evaluated in 10 adult, cachectic male patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and an involuntary weight loss greater than 10% of baseline. Patients received single oral doses of 800 mg/day of megestrol acetate oral suspension for 21 days.
Plasma concentration data obtained on day 21 were evaluated for up to 48 hours past the last dose. Mean (±1SD) peak plasma concentration (C max ) of megestrol acetate was 753 (±539) ng/mL. Mean area under the concentration time-curve (AUC) was 10476 (±7788) ng x hr/mL.
Median T max value was five hours. Seven of 10 patients gained weight in three weeks. Additionally, 24 adult, asymptomatic HIV seropositive male subjects were dosed once daily with 750 mg of megestrol acetate oral suspension.
The treatment was administered for 14 days. Mean C max and AUC values were 490 (±238) ng/mL and 6779 (±3048) ng x hr/mL, respectively. The median T max value was three hours.
The mean C min value was 202 (±101) ng/mL. The mean % of fluctuation value was 107 (±40). The effect of food on the bioavailability of megestrol acetate oral suspension has not been evaluated.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
HOW SUPPLIED Megestrol acetate oral suspension, USP is available as a milky white, lemon-lime flavored oral suspension containing 40 mg of micronized megestrol acetate per mL. NDC 64380-160-01 Bottles of 240 mL (8 fl. oz.) NDC 64380-160-02 Bottles of 480 mL (16 fl. oz.) STORAGE: Store the oral suspension between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [See USP]. Dispense in a tight container.
Protect from heat. SPECIAL HANDLING: Health Hazard Data: There is no threshold limit value established by OSHA, NIOSH, or ACGIH. Exposure or "overdose" at levels approaching recommended dosing levels could result in side effects described above (see WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS ).
Women at risk of pregnancy should avoid such exposure. Distributed by: Strides Pharma Inc. East Brunswick, NJ 08816 Revised: 10/21 OS907-01-1-14
📋 Description ▾
DESCRIPTION Megestrol Acetate Oral Suspension, USP contains megestrol acetate, a synthetic derivative of the steroid hormone, progesterone. Megestrol acetate is a white, crystalline solid chemically designated as 17-Hydroxy-6-methylpregna-4,6-diene-3,20-dione acetate. Solubility at 37°C in water is 2 mcg per mL, solubility in plasma is 24 mcg per mL.
Its molecular weight is 384.52. The chemical formula is C 24 H 32 O 4 and the structural formula is represented as follows: Chemical formula Megestrol acetate oral suspension is supplied as an oral suspension containing 40 mg of micronized megestrol acetate per mL. Megestrol acetate oral suspension contains the following inactive ingredients: alcohol (max 0.06% v/v from flavor), artificial lime flavor, citric acid monohydrate, docusate sodium, glycerin, natural and artificial lemon flavor, purified water, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate dihydrate, sucrose and xanthan gum.
Megestrol acetate oral suspension, 40 mg/mL complies with USP Dissolution Test 2. Chemical formula