ESTRAMUSTINE PHOSPHATE - ORAL (Emcyt) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

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GENERIC NAME: ESTRAMUSTINE PHOSPHATE - ORAL (ess-TRAM-you-steen FOSS fate)

BRAND NAME(S): Emcyt

USES: This is an anticancer medication used to treat prostate cancer.

HOW TO USE: This medication is taken by mouth as directed. This is best taken with a full glass (8 oz or 240 ml) of water one hour before or two hours after meals unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this medication. Avoid intake of milk, dairy products and calcium-rich foods or medications concurrently with this medication. The absorption of the drug will be affected. Make sure you understand your dosing schedule and follow it closely. Do not take this medication more often or skip any doses unless directed to do so by your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, gas, flushing, dry skin, headache, thinning hair, breast enlargement, irritated throat or hoarseness. If these symptoms continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: dark stools, stomach pains, easy bruising or bleeding, breathing difficulty, chest pain, skin rash, itching, weakness, swelling of the ankles or feet, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: blood disorders, diabetes, high blood pressure, liver disease, kidney disease, bone disease, allergies (especially drug allergies). If you have diabetes, estramustine may worsen control of blood glucose levels. Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly and inform your doctor of the results. Birth control measures are recommended during therapy because this medication can cause fetal harm. Discuss with your doctor the risks related to pregnancy.