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.
