Is diethylstilbestrol still available?
Estrogens are still prescribed for some medical reasons, including to help treat some cancers, but they are no longer used during pregnancy. Other than in a rare clinical trial, DES is no longer available in the United States for use in humans.
What is the meaning of diethylstilbestrol?
(dy-EH-thul-stil-BES-trol) A synthetic form of the hormone estrogen that was prescribed to pregnant women between about 1940 and 1971 because it was thought to prevent miscarriages. Diethylstilbestrol may increase the risk of uterine, ovarian, or breast cancer in women who took it.
What is the mechanism of action of diethylstilbestrol?
Diethylstilbestrol is a synthetic, nonsteroidal form of estrogen. A well-known teratogen and carcinogen, diethylstilbestrol inhibits the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, thereby blocking the testicular synthesis of testosterone, lowering plasma testosterone, and inducing a chemical castration.
Does diethylstilbestrol have side effects?
Serious side effects include blood cell abnormalities that lead to weakness, fever, bleeding, bruising, bloody diarrhea, or infection; uterine infection that causes vaginal discharge, vomiting, lack of appetite, excessive water consumption or urination, and/or lethargy; or mammary tumor development.
Does Diethylstilbestrol cause diarrhea?
Side effects are uncommon if used at the appropriate lowest effective dose, but may include mild vaginal spotting. In cats, serious side effects have included pancreatic, liver, and heart damage which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, breathing difficulty, or severe tiredness.
How much does Diethylstilbestrol cost?
Diethylstilbestrol is a prescription medication commonly used in the treatment of prostate cancer. This medication comes in the form of oral tablets and is not currently covered by Medicare. A generic alternative for this drug does not exist. The average retail price of Diethylstilbestrol is typically around $41.09.
What is the active form of testosterone?
Testosterone serves as a circulating prohormone for a more active androgen called dihydrotestosterone. Testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone in most tissues that are sensitive to androgens, including the testes, prostate gland, hair follicles, and muscles.
When was DES first used?
DES was first marketed for medical use in 1939. It was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on September 19, 1941, in tablets up to 5 mg for four indications: gonorrheal vaginitis, atrophic vaginitis, menopausal symptoms, and postpartum lactation suppression to prevent breast engorgement.
How quickly does Diethylstilbestrol work?
1 to 2 days
This medication should take effect within 1 to 2 days, and improvements in clinical signs should follow.