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| Pronunciation |
|
 (dye
eth il stil BES
trole) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Stilphostrol® |
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| Foreign Brand
Names |
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| Honvol®
(Canada) |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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|
Estrogen Derivative |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
- If you have an allergy to another estrogen, diethylstilbestrol, or any
other part of the medicine.
- If you have any of the following conditions: Unexplained vaginal
bleeding, breast cancer except in certain patients with widespread disease.
- If you are pregnant or
breast-feeding.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
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|
- This medicine can be used to treat inoperable, progressing prostate
cancer.
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|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
- Diethylstilbestrol competes with testosterone to slow the growth of
the cancer.
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| 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.
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|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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|
- 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| What should I monitor? |
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|
- Check blood pressure and heart rate (pulse)
regularly.
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| 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.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
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- Store in a dry place at room
temperature.
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| 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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