What is Emcyt (Estramustine Phosphate Sodium)?
Emcyt is an oral medication prescribed to treat prostate cancer. Emcyt contains estramustine, which belongs to a group of drugs called antineoplastics. Estramustine is a combination of an estrogen and a nitrogen mustard. It interferes with prostate cancer cell growth by disrupting microtubule function and reducing androgen stimulation. This slows the growth of the tumor.
Dosage
Emcyt is to be taken orally, 3-4 times daily, as directed by your doctor. It should be taken on an empty stomach, one hour before eating or two hours after. Take it with a full glass of water. Emcyt should be taken regularly to achieve the full benefit, and it is best if it is taken at the same time each day. The prescribed dosage is dependent on the severity of your condition, your weight, and how you respond to treatment.
Be careful to take Emcyt three hours before or after other medications containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium, dairy products such as milk or yogurt, sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, iron, or zinc. These prevent the absorption of estramustine by binding with it before it can take effect in the body.
Storage
The US product should be stored between 36-46 degrees F (2-8°C) in the refrigerator. The Canadian product should be stored between 36-77 degrees F (2-25°C). Keep it in the original, labeled container until it is time to take it. Keep out of direct light and away from moisture. Do not store it in the bathroom. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not consume expired medication. Dispose of expired or surplus medication responsibly, following the instructions of your healthcare provider. Do not flush this medication down the toilet or sink.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
All medication comes with a risk of side effects. It is important to recognize that your doctor has determined the risk of side effects is outweighed by the potential benefit this medication can provide. Side effects will differ between individuals, and it is possible that you will not experience any at all. Common side effects associated with Emcyt include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Appetite loss
- Flushing
- Dry skin
- Headache
- Leg cramps
- Reduced libido or sexual performance
- Male breast tenderness or enlargement
If you experience any of these symptoms and they concern you, or they worsen or do not resolve on their own, contact your healthcare provider.
This medication can also cause an increase in blood pressure. Monitor your blood pressure regularly and contact your doctor if you notice any abnormal changes.
Severe Side Effects
Occasionally, Emcyt can be associated with severe side effects that should be taken seriously. These include changes in mood or mental state (depression, anxiety), swelling of the hands or feet, new or worsening seizures, or impaired control of diabetes (increased thirst or urination).
Rarely, Emcyt can cause blood clots, stroke, or heart attacks. If you experience pain in the chest, jaw, and left arm, a sudden and severe headache, weakness on one side of the body, confusion, difficulty speaking, changes in vision, pain or swelling of the leg, breathlessness, or coughing up blood, seek emergency medical assistance.
If you experience easy bruising, abdominal pain, nausea, and/or vomiting that won’t stop, dark or discolored urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, contact your doctor right away.
Emcyt can reduce the immune response to infection. Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of infection, such as fever or sore throat.
A severe allergic reaction to Emcyt is rare but not impossible. Seek emergency medical assistance if you develop allergic reaction symptoms, such as a rash, itching, facial swelling, dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. If you experience any abnormal changes that concern you, contact your doctor for assistance.
Warnings & Precautions
Medical History
Before starting Emcyt, ensure your doctor is aware of your complete personal and family medical history. Do not take Emcyt if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Tell your doctor if you have a history of stroke or blood clots, bone disease, high cholesterol, depression, diabetes, migraines, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, or seizures.
Tobacco
Smoking cigarettes or using tobacco alongside taking oral estrogen increases the risk of stroke, blood clots, hypertension, and heart attack. Do not smoke cigarettes or use tobacco.
Surgery
Prior to having surgery, ensure all medical personnel involved in your care are aware of your complete medication schedule, including prescription and non-prescription medications. If you are going to be confined to a bed or chair for a long period of time (such as a long-haul flight), tell your doctor, as they may want to impose special precautions to mitigate your risk of blood clots.
Contact Lenses
If you wear contact lenses or are nearsighted, Emcyt may cause vision problems or make wearing your contact lenses difficult. Contact your optometrist for more information.
Melasma
Emcyt can cause blotchy patches on your skin, which can be worsened by sunlight. Limit your sunlight exposure and avoid tanning booths. Always apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing.
Sexual Changes
Emcyt can affect sperm production, lead to erectile dysfunction, or reduce libido or sexual performance. Consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Reliable birth control should be used while taking this medication. Ask your doctor if you are unsure.
Females
This medication is not typically prescribed in biological females and is therefore unlikely to be an issue with pregnant or breastfeeding people.
Blood Sugar
Emcyt can increase blood sugar levels in diabetics and non-diabetics. Monitor your blood sugar regularly while taking this medication. If you experience a noticeable increase in thirst, urination, hunger, blurred vision, or fruity breath, inform your healthcare provider. If you are diabetic, ensure you are monitoring your blood sugar closely.
Interactions & Contraindications
When two or more medications are taken concurrently, they can interact with one another, changing how one or more function in the body or leading to unwanted side effects. It is important that interactions are minimized. Keep a comprehensive list of all the medications you take on a regular basis, including prescription and non-prescription, and share this with your doctor. Do not stop, start, or change the dosage of any medications without first asking your doctor.
Emcyt can have very serious interactions with aromatase inhibitors, troleandomycin, and tranexamic acid. These should not be taken alongside Emcyt. If you are already taking these medications, tell your doctor, as they will likely adjust your medication schedule to accommodate Emcyt.
Emcyt is contraindicated with corticosteroids, ospemifene, tamoxifen, and hypothyroidism medication. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these products.
Other medications can affect the levels of estrogen in your body, such as azole antifungals, antibiotics (e.g. penicillins, tetracyclines), bexarotene, griseofulvin, HIV protease inhibitors such as ritonavir, rifamycins, seizure medications, and St John’s wort.
This is not a complete list of possible interactions with Emcyt. If you are concerned about any medications you are taking or you wish to start a new medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer
Pharma Giant provides medical information to help you better understand medications and medical conditions.This content is for informational use only and does not replace advice from a licensed medical practitioner. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medication. All our partners follow strict safety standards set by their country’s health authorities to make sure you receive safe and high-quality medications.
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