estramustine

Generic Name: estramustine (ES tra MUS teen)

Brand Names: Emcyt

What is estramustine?

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

Estramustine is used to treat metastatic or progressive prostate cancer.

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

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

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to estramustine, 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.

Before taking estramustine, tell your doctor if you have a history of stroke or heart attack, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, migraine headaches, seizures, liver or kidney disease, or Paget's disease.

Take estramustine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Do not take this medication with milk, milk products, or calcium-rich foods such as ice cream, yogurt, broccoli, and others. Also avoid using antacids or vitamin/mineral supplements that contain calcium. Calcium can make it harder for your body to absorb estramustine, which could make it less effective.

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

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

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

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  a blood clot;

  
  


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  swelling of a vein caused by a blood clot; or

  
  


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  if you have ever had an allergic reaction to estradiol or nitrogen mustard.

  
  

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take estramustine:

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  a history of blood clot, stroke, or heart attack;

  
  


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  diabetes;

  
  


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  high blood pressure (hypertension);

  
  


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  heart disease or coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis);

  
  


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  congestive heart failure;

  
  


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  migraine headaches;

  
  


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  epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

  
  


• liver disease;


• kidney disease; or


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  a metabolic bone disease (such as Paget's disease).

  
  

If a man fathers a child while taking estramustine, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom 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?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take estramustine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Take this medication with water, not with milk or other dairy products.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your blood pressure may also need to be checked. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

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

Store estramustine capsules in the refrigerator and do not allow it to freeze.

See also: Estramustine dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include swelling, shortness of breath, chest pain, or sudden numbness in any part of your body.

What should I avoid while taking estramustine?

Do not take this medication with milk, milk products, or calcium-rich foods such as ice cream, yogurt, broccoli, and others. Also avoid using antacids or vitamin/mineral supplements that contain calcium. Calcium can make it harder for your body to absorb estramustine, which could make it less effective.

Estramustine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these 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 a serious side effect such as:

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  chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;

  
  


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  sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

  
  


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  sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

  
  


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  chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, fast heart rate;

  
  


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  pain or swelling in one or both legs;

  
  


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  feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;

  
  


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  swelling, rapid weight gain; or

  
  


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  easy bruising.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, upset stomach;

  
  


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  feeling weak or tired;

  
  


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  breast swelling or tenderness; or

  
  


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  impotence.

  
  

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.

Estramustine Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Prostate Cancer:

Initial Dose: 14 mg per kg daily, given in 3 or 4 divided doses.

Patients should be treated for thirty to ninety days before the physician determines the possible benefits of continued therapy. Therapy should be continued as long as the favorable response lasts. Some patients have been maintained on therapy for more than three years at doses ranging from 10 to 16 mg per kg of body weight per day.

Patients should be instructed to take estramustine capsules at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Estramustine capsules should be swallowed with water. Milk, milk products, and calcium-rich foods or drugs (such as calcium-containing antacids) must not be taken simultaneously with estramustine.

What other drugs will affect estramustine?

There may be other drugs that can interact with estramustine. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More estramustine resources

• Estramustine Side Effects (in more detail)
• Estramustine Dosage
• Estramustine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Estramustine Drug Interactions
• Estramustine Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Estramustine - Add your own review/rating

• estramustine Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Estramustine MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Emcyt Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Emcyt Monograph (AHFS DI)

Compare estramustine with other medications

• Prostate Cancer

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about estramustine.

See also: estramustine side effects (in more detail)