Name | Diethylstilbestrol |
Classes |
Hormonal Agent Sex Hormone Steroid |
Diseases |
Hormonal Disorder Miscarriage Premature Birth Prostate Cancer |
Diethylstilbestrol
Diethylstilbestrol belongs to the class of drugs known as estrogen agonists/antagonists. It is a synthetic estrogen with both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic properties. The drug acts by binding to estrogen receptors in various tissues, mimicking or antagonizing the action of endogenous estrogen.
Diethylstilbestrol is indicated for the following conditions:
- Advanced prostate cancer in men
- Palliative treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women
For advanced prostate cancer:
- Oral: 1 to 3 mg two to three times daily
- Injection: 10 to 20 mg once or twice weekly
For palliative treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women:
- Oral: 10 mg three times daily for at least three months
The most common adverse reactions to diethylstilbestrol include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Edema
- Breast tenderness or enlargement
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Thrombosis
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Skin rash
- Diethylstilbestrol may increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, including breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and cervical cancer. Patients taking diethylstilbestrol should be monitored closely for signs of these cancers.
- Diethylstilbestrol may increase the risk of blood clots, especially in older women. Patients should be advised to report any signs of blood clots, such as leg pain, swelling, or redness, immediately.
- Diethylstilbestrol may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not take diethylstilbestrol.
- Diethylstilbestrol may interact with other medications, including blood thinners, corticosteroids, and thyroid hormones. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking before starting diethylstilbestrol.
Contraindication
Diethylstilbestrol is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to any component of the formulation.
None known.
Diethylstilbestrol is contraindicated in the following conditions:
- Known or suspected pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Active or history of thromboembolic disorders, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
- Active or history of liver disease
- Known or suspected breast cancer or other estrogen-dependent cancer