It has been shown that there is an increased risk of thrombosis, including fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction, in men receiving estrogens for prostatic cancer. EMCYT (estramustine) Capsules should be used with caution in patients with a history of thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, or thromboembolic disorders, especially if they were associated with estrogen therapy. Caution should also be used in patients with cerebral vascular or coronary artery disease.

Glucose Tolerance-Because glucose tolerance may be decreased, diabetic patients should be carefully observed while receiving EMCYT (estramustine) .

Elevated Blood Pressure-Because hypertension may occur, blood pressure should be monitored periodically.

General

Fluid Retention. Exacerbation of preexisting or incipient peripheral edema or congestive heart disease has been seen in some patients receiving therapy with EMCYT (estramustine) Capsules. Other conditions which might be influenced by fluid retention, such as epilepsy, migraine, or renal dysfunction, require careful observation.

EMCYT (estramustine) may be poorly metabolized in patients with impaired liver function and should be administered with caution in such patients.

Because EMCYT (estramustine) may influence the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus, it should be used with caution in patients with metabolic bone diseases that are associated with hypercalcemia or in patients with renal insufficiency. Patients with prostate cancer and osteoblastic metastases are at risk for hypocalcemia and should have calcium levels closely monitored.

Gynecomastia and impotence are known estrogenic effects.

Allergic reactions and angioedema at times involving the airway have been reported.

Laboratory Tests

Certain endocrine and liver function tests may be affected by estrogen-containing drugs. EMCYT (estramustine) may depress testosterone levels. Abnormalities of hepatic enzymes and of bilirubin have occurred in patients receiving EMCYT (estramustine) . Such tests should be done at appropriate intervals during therapy and repeated after the drug has been withdrawn for two months.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Long-term continuous administration of estrogens in certain animal species increases the frequency of carcinomas of the breast and liver. Compounds structurally similar to EMCYT (estramustine) are carcinogenic in mice. Carcinogenic studies of EMCYT (estramustine) have not been conducted in man. Although testing by the Ames method failed to demonstrate mutagenicity for estramustine phosphate sodium, it is known that both estradiol and nitrogen mustard are mutagenic. For this reason and because some patients who had been impotent while on estrogen therapy have regained potency while taking EMCYT (estramustine) , the patient should be advised to use contraceptive measures.

Last reviewed on RxList: 8/6/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.