Estramustine
About Estramustine
Estramustine is a prescription medication used to treat advanced, progressive, or metastatic prostate cancer. It is typically prescribed when other hormone therapies are no longer working. The primary medical purpose of this medicine is to help slow down or halt the growth of cancer cells in the prostate gland.
To get the best results, you must take Estramustine consistently at the same times every day as directed by your healthcare provider. This medication should be taken on an empty stomach, either one hour before or two hours after a meal. Making certain dietary changes, such as eating a low-salt diet, can help manage the fluid retention that often occurs with this treatment.
While taking Estramustine, you may experience some common side effects like mild nausea or breast tenderness. However, you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience serious symptoms like sudden shortness of breath, severe leg pain, or chest tightness. These can be signs of more serious complications that require urgent medical attention.
Do not take this if you have active blood clots, severe heart problems, or a known allergy to similar medications. Before starting your treatment, tell your doctor if you have a history of liver damage, kidney disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes, as these conditions require extra monitoring.
This medicine can interact with calcium-rich foods like milk and yogurt, as well as calcium supplements, making the medication much less effective. It is also important to tell your doctor if you are taking blood thinners. Since this medication is specifically for prostate cancer, it is not used in women, but pregnant women should avoid handling the capsules entirely due to the risk of birth defects.
Uses of Estramustine
Medicinal Benefits
Using Estramustine as prescribed helps control advanced prostate cancer and relieve symptoms caused by the disease. Here are the key benefits you can expect:
- Helps control cancer growth: Estramustine helps slow the growth and spread of advanced prostate cancer, supporting better disease management.
- Relieves cancer-related symptoms: By slowing tumour growth, it may help reduce pain and discomfort associated with bone metastases and other cancer-related symptoms.
- Improves urinary comfort: Estramustine may help relieve urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate tumour, making day-to-day activities more comfortable.
- Enhances quality of life: Better control of the disease and its symptoms can help improve daily comfort, mobility, and overall wellbeing.
Directions for Use
- Estramustine should be taken on an empty stomach, at least two hours before or after a meal.
- Estramustine is usually taken 3-4 times in a day; however, follow your doctor’s advice regarding the dosage and duration.
- Swallow the whole medicine with a glass of water.
- Do not split, chew, or crush it.
Storage
Side Effects of Estramustine
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Breast swelling or tenderness (gynecomastia)
- Mild swelling in the ankles, feet, or hands due to fluid retention
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Signs of blood clots, such as sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, or severe swelling and pain in one leg
- Signs of liver damage, including yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), dark urine, or severe upper stomach pain
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as a skin rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- Sudden, severe headache or weakness on one side of the body
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Do Not Smoke: Avoid smoking completely while taking this medication, as it significantly increases your risk of developing dangerous blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes.
- Safe Handling: Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant should not handle these capsules, as the active ingredients can be absorbed through the skin and cause harm to an unborn baby. Wear gloves if someone else must handle your medication.
- Monitor Your Blood Pressure: Check your blood pressure regularly at home, as this medicine can cause your blood pressure to rise.
- Keep Up with Blood Tests: Attend all scheduled medical appointments for blood tests so your doctor can monitor your liver function, kidney health, and blood counts.
Drug Interactions
- Blood Thinners: May alter the effectiveness of medications like warfarin, requiring closer monitoring of your blood clotting times.
- Live vaccines: Medicines that affect the immune system, including some cancer treatments, may increase the risk of infection or reduce the effectiveness of live vaccines. Tell your doctor before receiving any vaccination during treatment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorInteraction of Estramustine with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor if you have concerns.
Pregnancy
not applicableNot intended for women. Estramustine has the potential to harm a fetus. If there is a chance that your partner will become pregnant while you are on estramustine, you should utilize effective birth control.
Breast Feeding
not applicableNot intended for women.
Driving
unsafeEstramustine may decrease alertness or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. So, do not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Estramustine until your vision improves.
Liver
cautionEstramustine should be used with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionEstramustine should be used with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. This medicine causes fluid retention and edema which can be worsened by kidney impairment. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition.
Children
not applicableIntended for use in adult men.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid Dairy and Calcium: Do not eat or drink milk, cheese, yogurt, or calcium-fortified foods within two hours of taking your medicine, as they prevent your body from absorbing the drug.
- Reduce Salt Intake: Eat a low-sodium diet to help prevent or manage fluid retention and ankle swelling during your treatment.
- Stay Gently Active: Engage in regular, gentle physical activity like short walks to help maintain your strength and lower the risk of blood clots. Always check with your doctor before starting any exercise routine.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support your kidney function and help manage mild side effects like diarrhea or dry skin.
Special Advise
- Estramustine is not recommended for use in patients suffering from severe kidney disease.
- Regular checkups on your calcium, potassium, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels are advised.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Prostate cancer: The prostate gland is a small walnut-sized gland present under the bladder which is responsible for the production of seminal fluid. Prostate cancer is a carcinogenic condition that occurs when the prostate gland cells increase out of control. The main cause of this condition is unknown. However, a few underlying reasons that increase the risk for this condition include age, family history, ethnic group, genetic factors, obesity, etc.
FAQs
Estramustine is used to treat metastatic prostate cancer.
Estramustine contains Estramustine, which belongs to the class of antimicrotubule agents. It works by blocking the replication of DNA (genetic material) in the cancer cells. Hence, this stops the further growth and multiplication of the cancer cells.
No, do not stop taking Estramustine without consulting your doctor. It is recommended to take this medicine for the entire prescribed duration, even when symptoms improve or resolve.
Estramustine is an antineoplastic medicine that contains the active ingredient Estramustine, which is used in the treatment of prostate cancer in men.
The common side effects of Estramustine include nausea, dizziness, heartburn, headache, diarrhea, muscle weakness, joint pain, hot flushes, vomiting, thirst, flatulence, edema, and stomach bleeding. These side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
No, you must not take Estramustine with milk or any other dairy products. Calcium binds to the medication and prevents your body from absorbing it properly. Take it with water on an empty stomach.
The active ingredients in Estramustine are temperature-sensitive. Storing the capsules between 2°C and 8°C ensures the medicine remains stable and effective. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about storage.
If you vomit shortly after taking your capsule, do not take an extra dose to make up for it. Wait until your next scheduled dose time and take your normal amount. Talk to your doctor if vomiting continues.
If your wife is pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant, she must not handle this medication. The drug can be absorbed through the skin and cause birth defects. If someone else must handle the capsules, they should wear protective gloves.
Yes, breast tenderness and enlargement (gynecomastia) are common side effects because the medicine contains an estrogen component. Talk to your doctor if this becomes painful or concerning.
No, you should not smoke. Smoking greatly increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, including blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes, while on this therapy. Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation support.
Yes, it is highly recommended to check your blood pressure regularly. This medication can cause fluid retention and high blood pressure. Keep a log of your readings and share them with your doctor.
Author Details
