Estramustine is an anticancer medication that belongs to the class of medications called microtubule agents. FDA initially approved the medicine on 24, December 1981 for the use of prostate cancer.

It is used to treat prostate cancer that has worsened or has spread to other parts of the body. It works by stopping the growth and spread of cancer cells. Since this medicine is used to treat male prostate cancer, it is not indicated for women.

Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the treatment based on your disease condition, severity, and other factors. Take estramustine as prescribed by your doctor. Do not open, break, crush, or chew the capsules. Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Take the capsules on an empty stomach at the same time each day. The capsules should be taken at least one hour before or more than two hours after a meal. Do not take the medicine with milk or other drinks containing milk, such as tea or coffee.

The common side effects of estramustine are swelling in the face and body, breast tenderness, diarrhea, nausea, leg cramps, and shortness of breath. Other serious side effects are heart failure, decreased platelet counts, severe hypersensitivity reactions, and brain injury.

This medicine may increase your risk of developing heart problems; hence inform your doctor if you have or had a history of heart disease. This medicine may increase your chances of developing brain injury. Inform your physician if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. This medicine is not indicated for females; therefore, use two effective forms of contraception during conception if you have a female partner. Inform your doctor if you have a breastfeeding partner.

Do not take Estramustine if you are allergic to Estramustine or any other ingredients of this medicine. Inform your healthcare professional if you have an ulcer in the stomach or intestines, serious heart disease, liver disease, kidney disorder, blood clots, or problems caused by fluid retention. This medicine is not recommended for children. Inform your doctor if you have a female partner who is pregnant or breastfeeding, suspecting pregnancy, and planning for pregnancy.

Pregnancy should be avoided during the treatment, and use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy because estramustine may cause birth defects. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vaccinations, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with the effects of estramustine and reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.

Store estramustine below (25°C). keep the capsule away from the reach of children and pets. If you miss a dosage, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missing dose. Do not take a double dose to compensate for a missed dose. 

This medicine is not indicated for females. Do not take the tablet with milk or milk-containing products such as tea or coffee. Do not consume alcohol while taking the medicine. It is best to take the medicine on an empty stomach. If you overdose the medicine unknowingly, immediately seek medical attention. Do not take calcium supplements or antacids that contain calcium at the same time while you take the medicine. 

This medicine can cause severe birth defects if it is used by the father when his female partner becomes pregnant. Use two forms of birth control to avoid pregnancy while using this medicine and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Your doctor may check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine, to monitor for the effectiveness and safety of the medicine.

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2. Emcyt ® Estramustine Phosphate Sodium Capsules. Accessed May 6, 2023. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/018045s023lbl.pdf
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The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.