Emcyt

The dose is specific for a patient's body size and weight. The recommended dose is usually divided into 3 or 4 doses per day. Emcyt (Estramustine) capsules should be taken on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. They should be swallowed whole with water and should not be taken at the same time as milk, milk products, or calcium-containing drugs such as certain antacids.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Emcyt (Estramustine) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you feel ill after taking it, do not stop taking it without talking with your doctor first. If you vomit shortly after taking a dose of medication, check with your doctor to find out if you should take another dose or wait for the next scheduled dose.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication in a cool, dry place, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Each white, opaque, hard gelatin capsule contains Emcyt (Estramustine) sodium phosphate 140 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: gelatin capsule, isopropanol, magnesium stearate, silica, and sodium laurylsulfate. Emcyt (Estramustine) does not contain bisulfite, gluten, lactose, or tartrazine.

Do not take Emcyt (Estramustine) if you:

• are sensitive or allergic to Estradiol (an estrogen), nitrogen mustard, or any ingredients of Emcyt (Estramustine)
• have active Thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders (blood clotting disorders)
• have severe liver disease or heart disease

There may be an interaction between Emcyt (Estramustine) and any of the following:

• amphotericin B
• anabolic steroids
• androgens (male hormones; e.g., methyltestosterone, nandrolone, testosterone)
• calcium and products containing calcium (e.g., antacids, vitamins)
• clodronate
• Denosumab
• echinacea
• estrogens (female hormones)
• Fingolimod
• Leflunomide
• Natalizumab
• Pimecrolimus
• Roflumilast
• Tacrolimus
• Tofacitinib
• Trastuzumab
• vaccines

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take this medication.

Blood vessel conditions: The risk and benefits of using Emcyt (Estramustine) for people with a history of thrombophlebitis or other blood clotting problems should be reviewed with a doctor. If you have vascular problems in the brain (such as a history of stroke) or Coronary Artery Disease, discuss the risks and benefits of using Emcyt (Estramustine) with your doctor.

Calcium: Emcyt (Estramustine) can influence the balance of calcium and phosphorus in the body, which may affect certain other medical conditions in addition to prostate cancer. If you have certain bone diseases or cancer that has spread to the bone, discuss with your doctor how Emcyt (Estramustine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Emcyt (Estramustine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want you to have your calcium levels tested regularly with blood tests while you are taking Emcyt (Estramustine).

Contraception: Men receiving Emcyt (Estramustine) should use appropriate contraceptive measures (e.g., latex condoms) with their female partners since Emcyt (Estramustine) can cause serious problems in an unborn child.

Diabetes: Emcyt (Estramustine) can cause loss of control of blood glucose levels and glucose tolerance may change. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Emcyt (Estramustine).

If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Emcyt (Estramustine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Emcyt (Estramustine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Fluid retention: Emcyt (Estramustine) may worsen fluid retention, Congestive Heart Failure, and other conditions affected by fluid retention (e.g., Epilepsy, migraine, and kidney impairment). Your doctor will monitor you for these problems when necessary.

High blood pressure: Emcyt (Estramustine) may increase blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure before starting Emcyt (Estramustine), discuss with your doctor how Emcyt (Estramustine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. You should regularly monitor your blood pressure.

Infection: As well as killing cancer cells, Emcyt (Estramustine) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). If possible, avoid contact with people with contagious infections. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.

Vaccines: You should not be given live vaccines, or be in contact with any person who has received live vaccines, as this may result in serious infections and death. You doctor can tell you which vaccines are safe.

Pregnancy: The safety and effectiveness of using Emcyt (Estramustine) during pregnancy have not been established. Medications similar to Emcyt (Estramustine) are known to cause harm to an unborn child. If you become pregnant while taking Emcyt (Estramustine), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Emcyt (Estramustine) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Emcyt (Estramustine), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Emcyt (Estramustine) have not been established for children.