Emcyt  

Brand name: Emcyt®  

Generic name: Estramustine  

Other name : Estramustine phosphate sodium, Estracyt  

Therapeutic Class: antimicrotubule agent  

Manufacturer / Distributor: Pfizer 

Availability: Emcyt is available by prescription only  

Dosage form: Emcyt comes as a capsule to be taken by mouth 

Indications: Emcyt is used to treat prostate cancer, especially prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic prostate cancer).  

Emcyt can be prescribed for other medical conditions not mentioned in this article; for more information on diseases for which Emcyt is used to treat, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

Dosage: dosage of Emcyt recommended by your doctor varies depending on the severity of the cancer. In addition, your age, health in general, and especially your body surface area (BSA) are factors in the choice of the treatment. If you are treated with other medications, you may receive lower doses. Usually, Emcyt is taken with water 3 to 4 times a day. The drug is taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after meals. Avoid taking Emcyt with milk or milk products, antacids or medicines containing calcium.  

Your doctor can prescribe you a different way to take the medication; regardless of the dosage recommended, it is important that you follow the instructions exactly. If you experience side effects that prevent you from continuing taking the drug, do not interrupt the treatment without first talking to your doctor.  

Storage: store Emcyt at room temperature (15-25 ° C), away from light, moisture and heat above 40 ° C. Emcyt and all other medications should not be used beyond the expiration date printed on the container.  Emcyt should be kept in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. 

Overdose: As with any drug, Emcyt overdose can be dangerous if it is high and taken for long term. An overdose of Emcyt can lead to a life threatening decrease in white blood cells or platelets. If you take an overdose, contact your doctor or a poison control center near you to prevent complications.   

Missing dose: In case you missed taking the medication, take it as soon as you remember it if it is not almost time for the next dose. In case it is time or almost time for the next dose, do not double it to recover the missing; it can be dangerous. Contact your doctor or wait to go back to your regular schedule. Continue the treatment even if you feel well. Do not stop taking the drug without first talking to your doctor. 

Contraindication: Emcyt is contraindicated for the following groups of people: 

• pregnant women 
• women who are breastfeeding 
• patients allergic to Emcyt or any of its ingredients  
• patients allergic to estrogen and nitrogen mustard 
• patients having a heart condition
• patients having severe liver disorder
• Patients who have blood coagulation disorder.

Mechanism of action (MOA):  Emcyt is an anticancer drug classed as an antimicrotubule agent; it destroys cancer cells by inhibiting their growth and multiplication. 

Interactions: Before taking Emcyt, it is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, whether prescription or non prescription. Some medications are not recommended to be used along with Emcyt. Talk to your doctor before taking vitamins and nutritional supplements. In addition, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a blood clot, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, congestive heart disease, migraines or seizures.  

Side effects: Emcyt can cause adverse effects in some patients; common Emcyt side effects include:   

• diarrhea
• constipation
• leg cramps
• skin rashes
• sleep disturbances
• nausea and vomiting
• unusual weakness
• sensitivity or increase in breast size
• Reduced interest in sexual activity.

contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:   

• Persistent cough associated with hoarseness  
• fever or chills
• swelling of feet or lower legs
• tarry stool (Melena)  
• blood in urine or stools  
• pain in lower back or sides 
• painful or difficult urination  
• pain in chest, groin or legs  
• presence of red spots on the skin  
• persistent headache  
• severe or sudden loss of coordination 
• sudden shortness of breath  
• slurred speech  
• unusual bleeding or bruising 
• sudden change in vision  
• Weakness or insensibilization in the arms or legs.  

Reference:

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