Diethylstilbestrol

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine can be used to treat inoperable, progressing prostate cancer.

How does it work?

• Diethylstilbestrol competes with testosterone to slow the growth of the cancer.

How is it best taken?

• Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach or take as directed by your healthcare provider.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
• Do not use if you have had breast cancer.
• Not to be taken by women.
• Use caution if you have a weakened heart or high blood pressure. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you have ever had any blood circulation problems or clots in your legs, arms, or lungs.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Belly pain and cramps.
• Breast enlargement/tenderness.

What should I monitor?

• Check blood pressure and heart rate (pulse) regularly.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe headache.
• Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
• Swelling/pain of a leg or arm, sudden shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain.
• A lump in the breast.
• Any rash.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a dry place at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Read the package insert for more details (given with the medicine).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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