estramustine

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Pronunciation: ES tra MUS teen

Brand: Emcyt

What is the most important information I should know about estramustine?

You should not use this medicine if you have a blood clot, swelling of a vein caused by a blood clot, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to estradiol or nitrogen mustard.

What is estramustine?

Estramustine is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Estramustine is used to treat metastatic or progressive prostate cancer.

Estramustine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking estramustine?

You should not use estramustine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

  • a blood clot;
  • swelling of a vein caused by a blood clot; or
  • if you have ever had an allergic reaction to estradiol or nitrogen mustard.

To make sure estramustine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • a history of blood clot, stroke, or heart attack;
  • diabetes;
  • high blood pressure (hypertension);
  • heart disease or coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis);
  • congestive heart failure;
  • migraine headaches;
  • epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
  • liver disease;
  • kidney disease; or
  • a metabolic bone disease (such as Paget's disease).

If a man fathers a baby while using estramustine, the baby may have birth defects. Use condoms to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Ask your doctor how long you should continue using condoms after you stop taking estramustine.

How should I take estramustine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take estramustine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Take this medicine with water, not with milk or other dairy products.

It may take up to 90 days before you receive the full benefit of taking estramustine. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with estramustine.

While using estramustine, you may need frequent blood tests. Your blood pressure will also need to be checked often.

This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using estramustine.

Store in the refrigerator, do not freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking estramustine?

Do not take this medication with milk, milk products, calcium supplements, or calcium-rich foods such as ice cream, yogurt, broccoli, and others.

Avoid using antacids or vitamin/mineral supplements that contain calcium. Calcium can make it harder for your body to absorb estramustine.

This medicine can pass into body fluids (urine, feces, vomit). Caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up a patient's body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.

What are the possible side effects of estramustine?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using estramustine and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • heart problems --shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain, chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;
  • signs of a stroke --sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
  • signs of a blood clot in your leg --pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs; or
  • signs of a blood clot in the lung --chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood.

Common side effects may include:

  • breast swelling or tenderness;
  • impotence;
  • nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach;
  • swelling, trouble breathing;
  • leg cramps; or
  • abnormal liver function tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect estramustine?

Other drugs may interact with estramustine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about estramustine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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