Estramustine

About Estramustine

This belongs to the group of medicines known as alkylating drugs.

Estramustine can be used to treat cancer of the prostate gland.

Estramustine works by preventing the growth and division of cells and therefore stops them increasing in numbers.

Estramustine is available in capsule form.

It is also sometimes known as: Estracyt. You may notice the use of either of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Estramustine

Before taking Estramustine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are trying for a baby or intend to have children in the future
• if you suffer from heart, liver or kidney problems
• if you have a stomach ulcer or if you have ever suffered from a stomach ulcer
• if you have a history of thrombosis or embolism (blood clots)
• if you suffer from high blood pressure or diabetes
• if you suffer from epilepsy, have a history of epilepsy or if you have ever had 'fits' of any kind
• if you have abnormally high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcaemia)
• if you have any condition which affects your arteries
• if your bone marrow does not function properly
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to Take Estramustine

• Take Estramustine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take Estramustine capsules on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after food.
• Swallow Estramustine capsules whole, with a glass of water, do not crush, chew or split open. Do not swallow your capsule with milk or any other drink containing milk e.g. tea or coffee.
• Estramustine may occasionally cause you to feel or be sick. It is important to keep taking this medicine at regular intervals even if you begin to feel unwell.
• If you are sick shortly after taking a dose, or you forget a dose, check with your doctor or hospital. You will be told whether to take the dose again, or wait until the next dose is due.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Estramustine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Estramustine.
• You must keep your regular appointments with the doctor or hospital so your progress can be checked.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking Estramustine.
• Estramustine will not be as effective if you take it with anything containing calcium or if you have calcium-containing products in your stomach at the time of taking your dose of Estramustine. Some indigestion remedies contain calcium so be careful not to take these while you are taking Estramustine. The ingredients should be listed on the packaging. If you are unsure about whether something contains calcium, ask you doctor or pharmacist to advise you.
• While you are taking Estramustine, and for a while after you stop treatment, do not have any immunisations (vaccinations) without talking to your doctor first. Estramustine lowers the body's resistance and there is a chance that you may get an infection from the vaccine.

Can Estramustine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects become troublesome.

Feeling sick, being sick, diarrhoea, painful or swollen breasts or skin rashes.

Important: If you experience chest pain or breathing difficulties, stop taking Estramustine and contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once.

Estramustine can lower the number of white cells in your blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. You should take certain precautions to reduce the chance of infection. If possible avoid people with infections and check with your doctor if you think you are getting an infection or fever (high temperature).

Occasionally Estramustine can cause loss of interest in sex or affect sexual performance, it should return to normal when treatment stops.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Estramustine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 29/06/2005