Estramustine

Drug Status in USA : Approved
Drug Status in Canada : Approved

pronunciation

pronounced as (es'' tra mus' teen)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Estramustine is used to treat prostate cancer that has worsened or has spread to other parts of the body. Estramustine is in a class of medications called antimicrotubule agents. It works by stopping the growth and spread of cancer cells.


How should this medicine be used?

Estramustine comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken with water 3 to 4 times a day at least one hour before or two hours after meals. Do not take estramustine with milk, milk products, or foods that contain large amounts of calcium. Take estramustine at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take estramustine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Estramustine may control the spread of your cancer but does not cure it. It may take up to 3 months before your doctor can tell if this medication is helpful for your condition. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with estramustine. Continue to take estramustine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking estramustine without talking to your doctor.


What are the precautions to be followed?

Before taking estramustine,
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to estramustine, estradiol, nitrogen mustard, or any other medications.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
  • if you are taking calcium supplements or antacids that contain calcium such as Alka-Mints, Tums, or Titralac, take them at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after estramustine.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a blood clot, diabetes, high blood pressure, a stroke, congestive heart disease, migraines, seizures, any conditions that affect the balance of calcium and phosphorous in your body such as parathyroid disorder, or liver or kidney disease.
  • you should know that estramustine is only for use in men. Estramustine may cause fetal harm. You should use effective birth control if there is a possibility that your partner could become pregnant while you are taking estramustine. Women who are or may become pregnant should not take estramustine. If you take estramustine while you are pregnant, call your doctor immediately.

What are possible side effects of this medication ?

Estramustine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • breast tenderness and enlargement
  • leg cramps
  • tiredness
  • difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
  • impotence (inability to have or maintain an erection)
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms call your doctor immediately:
  • swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  • hoarseness
  • difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • shortness of breath
  • chest pain
  • dizziness or faintness
  • speech problems
  • sudden, severe headache
  • sudden partial or complete loss of vision
  • weakness or numbness of an arm or a leg
  • pain, redness or swelling of an arm or leg

Estramustine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.


How to store the medication and dispose it of after its use later?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store estramustine capsules in the refrigerator. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.


Drug Category/Class

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antineoplastic and Immunomodulating Agents
  • CYP3A4 Inhibitors
  • Other antineoplastic agents
Prescribed For the palliative treatment of patients with metastatic and/or progressive carcinoma of the prostate
Weight :440.403
Structure Estramustine
Generic Drug Estramustine prescribed For the palliative treatment of patients with metastatic and/or progressive carcinoma of the prostate
Formula

C23H31Cl2NO3

Estramustine has 2 Brands listed


Estramin (140 mg)X Trant (140 mg)

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