Estramustine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 16, 2024.

Applies to estramustine: oral capsule.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that the medicine is working properly and does not cause unwanted effects.

While you are being treated with estramustine, and after you stop treatment with it, do not have any immunizations (vaccinations) without your doctor's approval. Estramustine may lower your body's resistance and there is a chance you might get the infection the immunization is meant to prevent. In addition, other persons living in your household should not take oral polio vaccine since there is a chance they could pass the polio virus on to you. Also, avoid persons who have recently taken oral polio vaccine. Do not get close to them and do not stay in the same room with them for very long. If you cannot take these precautions, you should consider wearing a protective face mask that covers the nose and mouth.

Serious side effects of estramustine

Along with its needed effects, estramustine 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 while taking estramustine:

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking estramustine:

Other side effects of estramustine

Some side effects of estramustine 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:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to estramustine: oral capsule.

Endocrine adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Breast tenderness (66%), breast enlargement (60%), gynecomastia
• Frequency not reported: Erectile dysfunction^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Very common (10% or more): Abnormal LDH and/or AST (31%), abnormal hepatic function
• Common (1% to 10%): Abnormal bilirubin^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Edema (19%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Chest pain
• Frequency not reported: Injection site thrombosis^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (15%), diarrhea (12%), minor gastrointestinal upset (11%), vomiting
• Common (1% to 10%): Flatulence, gastrointestinal bleeding^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Dyspnea (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pulmonary emboli, upper respiratory discharge, hoarseness, burning throat
• Frequency not reported: Larynx edema^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Congestive heart failure
• Common (1% to 10%): Myocardial infarction, thrombophlebitis
• Frequency not reported: Myocardial ischemia, hypertension^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Anemia, leukopenia
• Common (1% to 10%): Thrombocytopenia^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Fluid retention
• Common (1% to 10%): Anorexia, thirst^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus, dry skin, rash, easy bruising, flushing, peeling skin on fingertip, thinning hair^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Leg cramps
• Frequency not reported: Muscular weakness^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Lethargy, cerebrovascular accident, headache^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Tearing of eyes^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, emotional lability, anxiety
• Frequency not reported: Confusional state, depression^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity reactions, allergic reactions, angioedema, allergic dermatitis^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Estramustine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer