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Estramustine

Precautions

Before taking estramustine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to estradiol or other estrogens; or to nitrogen mustard (such as mechlorethamine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood clots (such as in the legs, eyes, lungs), bone disease (such as bone metastases, high calcium levels), high cholesterol or triglyceride (blood fat) levels, depression, diabetes, severe headaches (such as migraine), heart disease (such as angina, heart attack, heart failure), high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, seizure, long periods of sitting or lying down (for example, due to being bedridden), stroke, thyroid problems.

Do not smoke cigarettes or use tobacco. Estrogens combined with smoking further increase your risk for stroke, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attacks.

If you will be having surgery or will be confined to a chair or bed for a long time (such as on a long plane flight), notify your doctor beforehand. Special precautions may need to be taken in these circumstances while you are taking this drug because of the increased risk for blood clots.

If you have diabetes, estramustine may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor.

If you are nearsighted or wear contact lenses, you may develop vision problems or trouble wearing your contact lenses. Contact your eye doctor if these problems occur.

This medication may cause blotchy, dark areas on your face and skin (melasma). Sunlight may worsen this effect. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.

This medication may affect the production of sperm. Use a reliable form of birth control while on this medication. Consult your doctor.

This medication is not usually used in women. It is unlikely to be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor if you have any questions about this medication.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, flushing, dry skin, headache, leg cramps, decreased sexual interest/ability, and male breast tenderness/enlargement may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as depression), swelling of hands/feet, worsening of seizures, increased thirst/urination, nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, easy bruising/bleeding, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.

This medication may rarely cause serious problems such as heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. Get medical help right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: chest/jaw/left arm pain, sudden/severe headaches, weakness on one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf, shortness of breath/rapid breathing, sudden dizziness/fainting, unusual sweating.

This medication can lower the body's ability to fight an infection. Tell your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, or chills.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.