Estramustine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 17, 2025.

Applies to estramustine: oral capsule.

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:

Rare side effects

• 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
• skin rash or fever
• unusual tiredness or weakness

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

More common side effects

• swelling of feet or lower legs

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:

More common side effects

• breast tenderness or enlargement
• decreased interest in sex
• diarrhea
• nausea

Less common side effects

• trouble in sleeping
• vomiting

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]

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