Emcyt
(Estramustine Phosphate Sodium)

What Emcyt is and what it is used for

Estracyt contains estramustine phosphate and is one of a group of medicines called cytotoxics; these medicines are used in the treatment of cancer. Estracyt is used to treat cancer of the prostate gland. You should consult your doctor if you are unsure why you have been given Estracyt. You must talk to a doctor if you do not feel better or if you feel worse.

How to take Emcyt

Always take Estracyt exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Adults and the Elderly The recommend dose is usually four to six capsules a day, taken at separate times, are used to start treatment. Depending on how your illness responds and how well you tolerate the medicine, your doctor may change the dose to anywhere between one and ten capsules a day. You may also find this information on the label. It is best to take Estracyt at the same time each day. The capsules should be taken on an empty stomach. The capsules should be taken at least one hour before a meal, or more than two hours after a meal. The capsules should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not attempt to split open the capsules. Do not take your medicine with milk or other drinks containing milk such as tea or coffee (see ‘Estracyt with food and drink and alcohol’). Furthermore, do not take Estracyt at the same time as other medicines which contain calcium, magnesium or aluminium e.g. antacids (see ‘Other medicines and Estracyt’). Use in Children Estracyt is not suitable for use in children. If you take more Estracyt than you should If you accidentally take too much Estracyt contact your doctor at once or go to the nearest hospital casualty department (since the stomach may need to be emptied and any symptoms of the overdose treated). Always take the labelled medicine package with you, whether there is any Estracyt left or not. If you forget to take Estracyt If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you stop taking Estracyt Do not stop taking Estracyt unless your doctor tells you to. Your doctor will tell you how long you should take Estracyt for. Should you need to stop taking Estracyt, your doctor will decide which is the best method for you. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Reasons for contacting your doctor immediately Some side effects occur rarely but can potentially be very serious. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience:
• an allergic reaction such as sudden wheeziness, difficulty in breathing, swelling of eyelids, face or lips, rash or itching (especially affecting the whole body)
• increasing swelling, discomfort or discolouration of one or both legs
• chest pain or breathlessness.

Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people
• nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (being sick), mostly in the first 2 weeks of treatment
• diarrhoea
• abnormal liver function
• reduction in red blood cells (anaemia)
• reduction in white blood cells
• enlargement of male breasts tissue
• fluid build-up in the body, causing swollen ankles and legs.

Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people
• reduction in number of platelets that help your blood to clot
• headache
• tiredness
• heart attack
• blood clots in your blood vessels

Not known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data
• increased blood pressure
• decrease in sexual function
• clot formed at the site of injection administration
• muscular weakness
• depression and confusion .
• skin rash which may be itchy or have a burning sensation

Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine

How to Store Emcyt

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label and carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. This medicine does not require any special storage conditions. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.