Diethylstilbestrol

About Diethylstilbestrol

This belongs to the group of medicines known as oestrogens.

Diethylstilbestrol is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women or prostate cancer in men.

Diethylstilbestrol is also sometimes known as stilboestrol. You may notice the use of either name on the package of your medicine.

Diethylstilbestrol is available in tablet form.

Before Taking Diethylstilbestrol

Before taking diethylstilbestrol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver or heart problems
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Diethylstilbestrol

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• If you vomit shortly after taking a dose, or you forget a dose, check with your doctor. You will be told whether to take the dose again, or wait until the next dose is due.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of diethylstilbestrol contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside diethylstilbestrol.
• When treatment is stopped, women may experience irregular menstural bleeding, this is nothing to worry about and should correct itself.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
• While you are taking diethylstilbestrol, and for a while after you stop treatment, do not have any immunisations (vaccinations) without talking to your doctor first. Diethylstilbestrol lowers the body's resistance and there is a chance that you may get an infection from the vaccine.
• If you undergo surgery, including dental treatment and emergency treatment, tell the surgeon, dentist or doctor that you are taking diethylstilbestrol.

Can Diethylstilbestrol cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Feeling sick, fluid retention (swelling of the limbs), sexual problems or enlargement of the breasts.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Diethylstilbestrol

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 05/02/2004