EMCYT Capsule Ref.[50719] Active ingredients: Estramustine

Source: FDA, National Drug Code (US)  Revision Year: 2018 

4. Contraindications

EMCYT Capsules should not be used in patients with any of the following conditions:

  • Known hypersensitivity to either estradiol or to nitrogen mustard.
  • Active thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders, except in those cases where the actual tumor mass is the cause of the thromboembolic phenomenon and the physician feels the benefits of therapy may outweigh the risks.

5. Warnings

It has been shown that there is an increased risk of thrombosis, including fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction, in men receiving estrogens for prostatic cancer. EMCYT Capsules should be used with caution in patients with a history of thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, or thromboembolic disorders, especially if they were associated with estrogen therapy. Caution should also be used in patients with cerebral vascular or coronary artery disease.

Glucose Tolerance—Because glucose tolerance may be decreased, diabetic patients should be carefully observed while receiving EMCYT.

Elevated Blood Pressure—Because hypertension may occur, blood pressure should be monitored periodically.

7. Adverse Reactions

In a randomized, double-blind trial comparing therapy with EMCYT Capsules in 93 patients (11.5 to 15.9 mg/kg/day) or diethylstilbestrol (DES) in 93 patients (3.0 mg/day), the following adverse effects were reported:

 EMCYT
n=93
DES
n=93
CARDIOVASCULAR-RESPIRATORY
Cardiac Arrest 0 2
Cerebrovascular Accident 2 0
Myocardial Infarction 3 1
Thrombophlebitis 3 7
Pulmonary Emboli 2 5
Congestive Heart Failure 3 2
Edema 19 17
Dyspnea 11 3
Leg Cramps 8 11
Upper Respiratory Discharge 1 1
Hoarseness 1 0
GASTROINTESTINAL
Nausea 15 8
Diarrhea 12 11
Minor Gastrointestinal Upset 11 6
Anorexia 4 3
Flatulence 2 0
Vomiting 1 1
Gastrointestinal Bleeding 1 0
Burning Throat 1 0
Thirst 1 0
INTEGUMENTARY
Rash 1 4
Pruritus 2 2
Dry Skin 2 0
Pigment Changes 0 3
Easy Bruising 3 0
Flushing 1 0
Night Sweats 0 1
Fingertip—Peeling Skin 1 0
Thinning Hair 1 1
BREAST CHANGES
Tenderness 66 64
Enlargement
Mild 60 54
Moderate 10 16
Marked 0 5
MISCELLANEOUS
Lethargy Alone 4 3
Depression 0 2
Emotional Lability 2 0
Insomnia 3 0
Headache 1 1
Anxiety 1 0
Chest Pain 1 1
Hot Flashes 0 1
Pain in Eyes 0 1
Tearing of Eyes 1 1
Tinnitus 0 1
LABORATORY ABNORMALITIES
Hematologic
Leukopenia 4 2
Thrombopenia 1 2
Hepatic
Bilirubin Alone 1 5
Bilirubin and LDH 0 1
Bilirubin and SGOT 2 1
Bilirubin, LDH and SGOT 2 0
LDH and/or SGOT 31 28
Miscellaneous
Hypercalcemia—Transient 0 1

6. Precautions

Food/Drug Interaction

Milk, milk products, and calcium-rich foods or drugs may impair the absorption of EMCYT.

6.1. General

Fluid Retention. Exacerbation of preexisting or incipient peripheral edema or congestive heart disease has been seen in some patients receiving therapy with EMCYT Capsules. Other conditions which might be influenced by fluid retention, such as epilepsy, migraine, or renal dysfunction, require careful observation.

EMCYT may be poorly metabolized in patients with impaired liver function and should be administered with caution in such patients.

Because EMCYT may influence the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus, it should be used with caution in patients with metabolic bone diseases that are associated with hypercalcemia or in patients with renal insufficiency. Patients with prostate cancer and osteoblastic metastases are at risk for hypocalcemia and should have calcium levels closely monitored.

Gynecomastia and impotence are known estrogenic effects.

Allergic reactions and angioedema at times involving the airway have been reported.

6.2. Information for Patients

Because of the possibility of mutagenic effects, patients should be advised to use contraceptive measures.

6.3. Laboratory Tests

Certain endocrine and liver function tests may be affected by estrogen-containing drugs. EMCYT may depress testosterone levels. Abnormalities of hepatic enzymes and of bilirubin have occurred in patients receiving EMCYT. Such tests should be done at appropriate intervals during therapy and repeated after the drug has been withdrawn for two months.

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