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What is the most important information I should know about estramustine?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to estramustine, or if you have a blood clot, swelling of a vein caused by a blood clot, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to estradiol or nitrogen mustard.

Before taking estramustine, tell your doctor if you have a history of stroke or heart attack, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, migraine headaches, seizures, liver or kidney disease, or Paget's disease.

Take estramustine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Do not take this medication with milk, milk products, or calcium-rich foods such as ice cream, yogurt, broccoli, and others. Also avoid using antacids or vitamin/mineral supplements that contain calcium. Calcium can make it harder for your body to absorb estramustine, which could make it less effective.

If a man fathers a child while taking estramustine, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Ask your doctor how long you should continue using condoms after you stop taking estramustine.

What is estramustine?

Estramustine is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Estramustine is used to treat metastatic or progressive prostate cancer.

Estramustine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking estramustine?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to estramustine, or if you have:

• a blood clot;

• swelling of a vein caused by a blood clot; or

• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to estradiol or nitrogen mustard.

Before taking estramustine, tell your doctor if you have:

• a history of blood clot, stroke, or heart attack;

• diabetes;

• high blood pressure (hypertension);

• heart disease or coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis);

• congestive heart failure;

• migraine headaches;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• liver disease;
• kidney disease; or

• a metabolic bone disease (such as Paget's disease).

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take estramustine.

If a man fathers a child while taking estramustine, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Ask your doctor how long you should continue using condoms after you stop taking estramustine.

How should I take estramustine?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take estramustine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Take this medication with water, not with milk or other dairy products.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your blood pressure may also need to be checked. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using estramustine.

Store estramustine capsules in the refrigerator and do not allow it to freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.