Emcyt (estramustine) is an oral medication used to improve the quality of life (palliative care) for people with metastatic prostate cancer, meaning cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It works to treat prostate cancer in 2 different ways, by damaging cancer cells directly and by lowering testosterone levels so cancer cells can’t grow and spread. But it’s not commonly used because there are other medications that work better to treat prostate cancer.
Metastatic prostate cancer
Most prostate cancer cells need testosterone, a male sex hormone, to grow and spread. When you have higher levels of estradiol, a female sex hormone, your body makes less testosterone.
Emcyt (estramustine) is an estradiol linked to a nitrogen mustard (another anticancer medication).
Estradiol works by blocking your body from making testosterone, so that prostate cancer cells either die or grow more slowly.
Nitrogen mustard damages the cancer cells’ genetic material, which leads to cell death.
Source: DailyMed
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
Black, tarry stools
blood in urine or stools
cough or hoarseness
fever or chills
headaches (severe or sudden)
loss of coordination (sudden)
lower back or side pain
painful or difficult urination
pains in chest, groin, or leg (especially calf of leg)
pinpoint red spots on skin
shortness of breath (sudden, for no apparent reason)
slurred speech (sudden)
unusual bleeding or bruising
vision changes (sudden)
weakness or numbness in arm or leg
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Swelling of feet or lower legs
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Trouble in sleeping
vomiting
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Oral pill
Treats prostate cancer in 2 different ways: 1) by damaging cancer cells directly and 2) by lowering testosterone levels so cancer cells can’t grow and spread
Typically not a recommended option for metastatic prostate cancer because it doesn't help much with improving survival or quality-of-life
Can cause undesired side effects in men, including breast enlargement and tenderness
Needs to be taken 3 to 4 times per day
Take Emcyt (estramustine) at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Swallow capsules whole with water. Don’t take Emcyt (estramustine) at the same time as milk or milk products, and calcium-rich foods or drugs (such as antacids like Tums).
Emcyt (estramustine) can cause breasts to become larger or more tender. It can also make it more difficult for you to have an erection. These side effects are linked to the higher levels of estrogen in your body because of the hormone estradiol found in this medication. Talk to your provider if these side effects become bothersome for you.
Ask your provider how often you need to have your electrolyte levels checked while you're taking Emcyt (estramustine). This medication can affect electrolyte levels. In particular, it can lower the amount of calcium in your body.
If your partner is able to become pregnant, make sure to use appropriate birth control measures, such as condoms, while taking Emcyt (estramustine) due to the risk of birth defects.
Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the best way to handle and dispose of this anticancer medication. These medications can be hazardous to people who handle or come into contact with them, so you need to get rid of them safely.
Emcyt (estramustine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factors: Hormonal (estrogen) treatment | Blood flow problems
Estrogen treatment for prostate cancer, like Emcyt (estramustine), can raise your risk for developing blood clots. In rare cases, the clots can cause heart attacks, which can be deadly. Let your provider know if you have a history of blood clots, especially if they developed while you were on any previous estrogen therapy. Also, tell your provider if you have a history of stroke (or other blood clots in your brain) or problems with the blood vessels in your heart (coronary artery disease), as these can raise your risk of serious blood clots. Get medical help right away if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, heartbeats that aren’t regular, dizziness, weakness, sudden confusion, difficulty walking, slurred speech, vision problems, or severe headache.
Risk factors: High blood sugar
Emcyt (estramustine) can make it more difficult for your body to control your blood sugar, which can result in high blood sugar. If you have diabetes, you and your provider should monitor your blood sugars more closely. Let your provider know if you become more thirsty or hungry, urinating more, or have headaches and blurry vision.
Emcyt (estramustine) can raise your blood pressure. Your provider may have you monitor your blood pressure more regularly. Let your provider know if you experience irregular heartbeat, severe headaches, fatigue, or dizziness.
Risk factors: Edema | Heart failure
Emcyt (estramustine) can cause new or worsening swelling or fluid buildup in the arms of legs or heart failure. Some symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath during rest or exercise, weight gain, swelling of the legs or ankles, fatigue, and poor appetite.
Let your doctor know if you have other conditions, including seizures, migraines, or kidney problems, that can be made worse by the extra fluid in your body so they can help you monitor for symptoms.
Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
140mg | 30 capsules | $506.69 | $16.89 |
Your provider will calculate your dose based on your weight.
In general, the typical dose of Emcyt (estramustine) is 14 mg/kg taken by mouth daily, split into 3 or 4 smaller doses and taken throughout the day.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Allergy to estradiol or nitrogen mustard
Blood clot problems
Cancer that needs testosterone to grow (Zytiga only)
Cancer that can still grow when there’s not much testosterone (Yonsa and Zytiga)
By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.
Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.