e. Diethylstilbestrol (Stilphostrol). This estrogen is used in estrogen
replacement therapy, in the palliative treatment of breast and prostate cancer, and as a
contraceptive (given as a single high dose following rape). Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is
not routinely used as an oral contraceptive. The dosage of the product varies with the
use. For the side effects associated with this agent, you should read paragraph 8-5.
When you dispense the product, you must provide the patient with a PPI. If the product
is being dispensed as a contraceptive, you should tell the patient to take the medication
until it is gone. Since this preparation may affect the clotting of the blood, the patient
should be told to inform the doctor or dentist the drug is being taken before any surgery
is attempted. Furthermore, a female of childbearing age that is taking this product
should be told that the drug can cause birth defects if it is taken during pregnancy.
Diethylstilbestrol is available in tablet and suppository form.
8-13. SPECIFIC PROGESTIN AGENTS
IMPORTANT NOTE: You must give the patient the PPI when you
dispense these products.
a. Medroxyprogesterone (Provera). This product is used in the treatment of
amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea and in progestin replacement therapy. Side effects
associated with this agent are few when it is taken in cycles. This product is available in
tablet and injectable forms.
b. Hydroxyprogesterone (Delalutin). This product is used in the treatment of
amenorrhea and in the palliative treatment of uterine cancer. For the side effects
associated with this agent, read paragraph 8-7. Delalutin is available in an injectable
form.
c. Dydrogesterone (Duphaston). Dydrogesterone is used in the treatment of
amenorrhea and in the palliative treatment of uterine cancer. For a description of the
side effects associated with this product, you should read paragraph 8-7. This product
is available in an injectable dosage form.
d. Megestrol (Megace). Megestrol is only used in the treatment of cancer of
the breast and endometrium. For product side effects, see paragraph 8-7.
e. Norethindrone (Micronor). Norethindrone is used in the treatment of
amenorrhea and endometriosis and as an oral contraceptive. For the side effects
associated with norethindrone, read paragraph 8-7.
f. Norgestrel (Ovrette). Norgestrel is only indicated for use as an oral
contraceptive. See paragraph 8-7 for a description of the side effects associated with
this agent.
MD0807
8-9