Estramustine, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)

Generic and brand names: estramustine, oral; Emcyt; Estracyt

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat prostate cancer.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to estramustine, estradiol or nitrogen mustard
• blood clots in your legs or lungs
• epilepsy
• heart disease or a heart attack
• high blood calcium
• liver or kidney disease
• migraine headache
• stroke.

This medicine may make you sterile (unable to have children) whether you are a man or a woman. If you plan to have children someday, talk with your health care provider before you start treatment.

How do I take it?

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your health care provider. Take it 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Swallow the capsules with water.

Do not drink milk, eat milk products or calcium-rich foods (for example yogurt and cottage cheese), or take drugs containing calcium (for example, antacids) at the same time as this medicine. Take this medicine 2 hours apart from these foods or products.

Do not stop taking this medicine until your health care provider tells you to. Do not increase or decrease the dosage without your health care provider's approval.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.

What should I watch out for?

Diabetics: This medicine may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk to your health care provider about this.

You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your health care provider's approval first.

Have your blood pressure checked regularly.

This medicine can cause birth defects. Use a reliable method of birth control while you are taking the medicine. If your partner becomes pregnant while you are taking this medicine, contact your health care provider right away.

Breast tenderness and breast enlargement are common while you are taking this medicine. Contact your health care provider if they become severe or bothersome.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Extreme tenderness or enlargement of the breasts, shortness of breath, chest pain, sudden weakness, severe nausea or diarrhea.

Other: Leg cramps, stomach upset, rash, dry skin, easy bruising, flushing, change in voice, itching, fatigue, trouble sleeping, headache.

What products might interact with this medicine?

Take this medicine 2 hours apart from milk, milk products, and antacids that contain calcium.

Diabetics: Ask your health care provider if you need to change your dosage of insulin or other diabetes medicine while you are taking this medicine.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.