Emcyt (Estramustine) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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The prostate gland is an organ that is located at the base or outlet (neck) of the urinary bladder. (See the diagram that follows.) The gland surrounds the first part of the urethra. The urethra is the passage through which urine drains from the bladder to exit from the penis. One function of the prostate gland is to help control urination by pressing directly against the part of the urethra that it surrounds. The main function of the prostate gland is to produce some of the substances that are found in normal semen, such as minerals and sugar. Semen is the fluid that transports the sperm to assist with reproduction. A man can manage quite well, however, without his prostate gland. (See the section on surgical treatment for prostate cancer.)

In a young man, the normal prostate gland is the size of a walnut (<30g). During normal aging, however, the gland usually grows larger. This hormone-related enlargement with aging is called b...

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Emcyt Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Emcyt

Generic Name: estramustine (Pronunciation: ES tra MUS teen)

What is estramustine (Emcyt)?

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 are the possible side effects of estramustine (Emcyt)?

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:

chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, fast heart rate;
pain or swelling in one or both legs;
feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
swelling, rapid weight gain; or
easy bruising.

Less serious side effects may include:

nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, upset stomach;
feeling weak or tired;
breast swelling or tenderness; or
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.

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

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.

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