Estramustine Oral Capsule (ESTRAMUSTINE PHOSPHATE - ORAL)

Instructions

Take the medicine without food.

Take on empty stomach - 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.

Swallow with a full glass (8 oz) of water unless your doctor gives you different instructions.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Keep the medicine in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

Keep the medicine away from heat and light.

Please ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to discard unused medicines safely.

Do not take this medicine with milk or milk products (such as yogurt).

Do not eat foods or take medicines that contain aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium or zinc (antacids, supplements, vitamins) for 3 hours before or after taking this medicine. These will prevent the medicine from working properly.

It is very important to avoid some foods while on this medicine. Please ask your doctor or nurse to provide you with a list of foods you should avoid.

This medicine can make you sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen or protective clothing when in sun.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

This medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before changing the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Avoid touching any powder from an open or broken capsule. If the powder touches the skin, nose, or eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.

This medicine is not approved for use by women.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

If you drink more than a few alcoholic beverages each day, ask your doctor whether you should be on this medicine.

Avoid smoking while on this medicine. Smoking may increase your risk for stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, and other diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

This medicine may damage sperm. Men should use reliable birth control while taking this medicine.

Women who are pregnant or in their childbearing years should not touch or handle this medicine. This medicine can be absorbed through the woman's skin and harm the unborn baby.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• decreased appetite
• breast pain or swelling
• dry skin
• feeling of heat or flushing
• headaches
• high blood pressure
• leg cramps
• dark patches on skin or face
• nausea and vomiting
• problems with sexual functions or desire

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• bleeding or bruising
• chest or jaw pain
• changes in memory, mood, or thinking
• cough up blood
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• fainting
• flu-like symptoms
• severe or persistent headache
• sudden leg pain, swelling, warmth or redness
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• mood changes
• seizures
• shortness of breath
• symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
• blurring or changes of vision
• severe or persistent vomiting

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.