Dexamethasone and Megestrol interaction

Dexamethasone and Megestrol: both prescribing labels describe an interaction that usually calls for monitoring, a dose change, or spacing the doses.

Moderate

Usually manageable with monitoring or a dose change. Tell your pharmacist you take both.

What the FDA labels say

From the Dexamethasone (Hemady) label · effective 2026-01-09

Moderate

Estrogens, Including Oral Contraceptives Estrogens may decrease the hepatic metabolism of certain corticosteroids and increase exposures, which may increase the risk of adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( ‎5 ) and Adverse Reactions (‎ 6 )] .

Drug interactionsby drug classView label on DailyMed

From the Megestrol (Megestrol Acetate) label · effective 2026-04-14

Moderate

Laboratory evaluation for adrenal insufficiency and consideration of replacement or stress doses of a rapidly acting glucocorticoid are strongly recommended in such patients.

Warnings and precautionsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Moderate

Finally, in patients who are receiving or being withdrawn from chronic megestrol acetate oral suspension therapy, consideration should be given to the use of empiric therapy with stress doses of a rapidly acting glucocorticoid during stress or serious intercurrent illness (e.g., surgery, infection).

Warnings and precautionsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Minor

Adrenal Insufficiency The glucocorticoid activity of megestrol acetate oral suspension has not been fully evaluated.

Warnings and precautionsby drug classView label on DailyMed

Taking more than these two? Interactions stack. Check your whole list at once; it stays in your browser.

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Not medical advice. Interaction Checker quotes FDA label text and NIH fact sheets. Whether an interaction matters for you depends on doses, timing, kidney and liver function, and other conditions. Confirm with a pharmacist or prescriber.