Search results for:

megestrol

megestrol
Drug Name Form Strength Non-Formulary Restricted TX Sub Notes
Megace SUSPENSION, ORAL 400 mg/10 mL      
Megace TABLET, ORAL 40 mg      
Display Antineoplastic Agents, Progestins Class : 100000, 683200
High Alert Drug : Policy
Medication comments:

High Alert Drug: Chemotherapeutic Agents - Oral
 • Designated stored location in pharmacy.
 • Drugs are transported in plastic bags labeled with sticker indicating CHEMOTHERAPY DRUG.
Per policy, these hazardous drugs have special waste requirements. 
Generic (Brand) Waste Requirements
megestrol (Megace) If > 3% by weight of drug remains ⇒  BLACK BUCKET 
Trace amounts/uncontaminated PPE ⇒  YELLOW BUCKET 
USP <800> Hazardous Drug Assessment of Risk (AOR)
Per policy, these drugs are exempt from USP <800> handling requirements under normal circumstances.
The following outlines must be followed.
generic (Brand) Route
[Packaging: Manufacturer ⇒ Dispense]		 Activities
megestrol (Megace) PO
[UD ⇒ UD]		  40 mg tablet
40 mg soln cup		 Stock @ IDBH? Y
NIOSH Table 2↑
Pharmacy:
Receiving / Storage / Preparation

Exposure Risk: minimal
 • Handling/preparation PPE Requirements: n/a
• Receiving from Distributor: Designated area/ CX gloves
• Pharmacy Storage Area: Hazardous
• Packaging/Reconstitution Location: n/a
• Compounding (Non-Sterile/Sterile) Location: n/a
• Omnicell Load: Yes
Transport • Transport (dose is placed inside a plastic sealable bag): Standard
Nursing:
Storage / Administration

Exposure Risk: low
 • Handling/administration PPE Requirements: via Mouth- Single pair of CX approved gloves
via Tube- double CX gloves and gown
Wash hands after handling
• Storage of Finished dose in Nursing Area/Procedural Area: Patient Med Drawer
Omnicell
• Signage on Patient Door Required: Yes
• Manipulation of Dosage Form: Tablet crushed via RxCrush.
Soln to be drawn up by nursing at bedside
• Special Manipulation for Administration: n/a
Disposal / Spills • Disposal of Drug Waste: Full-  black bin 
Trace-  yellow bin 
• Disposol of Used PPE:  yellow bin 
• Spill management: n/a
NIOSH Supplemental Information: Breastfeeding should be discontinued if megestrol is required. Women at risk of pregnancy should avoid exposure.
Reason for exemption of USP<800> Containment Requirements: Purchased in final dosage form; packaged as unit dose. Does not require additional manipulation for dispensing.
2023 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria® for potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults.
Medication: megestrol (Megace)
Criteria 1: Potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults. (Table 2)
Drug(s) megestrol
Rationale Minimal effect on weight; increases the risk of thrombotic events and possibly death in older adults.
Recommendation Avoid
 Quality of evidence: Moderate, Strength of Recommendation: Strong
Last updated: May. 4, 2026
  • Hazard.Drug Handling(USP 800) USP<800> Hazardous Drug / Assessment of Risk
  • Hazardous Waste BLACK BUCKET/YELLOW BUCKET
  • Chemotherapy
UpToDate Lexidrug

Pharmacy Contact Info:

Main Inpatient Pharmacy: ext 4599, 3503
Fax: 704-878-7283

Director of Pharmacy - Randi Raynor, PharmD: ext 4501
Clinical Coordinator - Laura Rollings, PharmD: ext 4597
Pharmacy Informaticist - Stephen Pringle, PharmD: ext 7645
Pharmacy Technician Supervisor - Amy Wingler, CPhT: ext 7385
Pharmacy Automation Coordinator (Omnicell) - Melissa Fulford, CPhT: ext 3556



This site is intended for the staff of Iredell Health System. While others may view accessible pages, Iredell Health System makes no warranty, express or implied, as to the use of this information outside of Iredell Health System. The content of this policy and procedure document serves as guidance to the delivery of quality patient care. Care providers are expected to exercise critical thinking and situational awareness skills, and in specific situations to take such action as is necessary for the delivery of quality patient care.
Copyright © 2026 Rpharmy, LLC ­ All Rights Reserved