Estramustine is an oral, nitrogen mustard antineoplastic agent that is used to treat prostate cancer. Estramustine is a combination of an estradiol molecule linked to nornitrogen mustard. The oral compound contains a phosphate group that facilitates higher water solubility and oral absorption. In patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer, estramustine has produced responses in 30-60% of patients as measured by reductions in tumor size, pain, and prostate specific antigen levels. Combination therapy of estramustine with paclitaxel, etoposide, or vinorelbine for the treatment of prostate or breast cancers is being investigated. Estramustine has also been studied in vitro and in vivo for the treatment of malignant glioma. The oral form of estramustine phosphate is the disodium salt of the compound. Estramustine was approved by the FDA in December 21, 1981. An intravenous formulation of estramustine is under investigation.
General Administration Information
For storage information, see the specific product information within the How Supplied section.
Hazardous Drugs Classification
-NIOSH 2016 List: Group 1
-NIOSH (Draft) 2020 List: Table 1
-Observe and exercise appropriate precautions for handling, preparation, administration, and disposal of hazardous drugs.
-Use gloves to handle. Cutting, crushing, or otherwise manipulating tablets/capsules will increase exposure.
Emetic Risk
-Minimal/Low
-Administer prn antiemetics as necessary.
Route-Specific Administration
Oral Administration
-Estramustine should be swallowed with water on an empty stomach (i.e., at least one hour prior to or two hours after a meal). Do not administer with milk products, or calcium-containing foods or drugs.
Gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events including nausea (15%), diarrhea (12%), minor gastrointestinal upset (dyspepsia) (11%), anorexia (4%), flatulence (2%), vomiting (1%), GI bleeding (1%), burning throat (1%), and thirst (polydipsia) (1%) were reported in men with metastatic or progressive prostate cancer who received estramustine (n = 93) in a randomized, double-blind, comparative study.
Leukopenia (4%) and thrombocytopenia (1%) occurred in men with metastatic or progressive prostate cancer who received estramustine (n = 93) in a randomized, double-blind, comparative study.
Gynecomastia (male breast enlargement) and impotence (erectile dysfunction) may occur with estrogen use; estramustine may depress testosterone levels. Breast tenderness (mastalgia) (66%) and mild (60%) and moderate (10%) gynecomastia occurred in men with metastatic or progressive prostate cancer who received estramustine (n = 93) in a randomized, double-blind, comparative study.
Thromboembolism and thrombosis may occur with estrogen use in men with prostate cancer. Myocardial infarction (3%), thrombo-phlebitis (3%), cerebrovascular accident (stroke) (2%), and pulmonary embolism (2%) were reported in men with metastatic or progressive prostate cancer who received estramustine (n = 93) in a randomized, double-blind, comparative study.
Congestive heart failure (3%) and chest pain (unspecified) (1%) occurred in men with metastatic or progressive prostate cancer who received estramustine (n = 93) in a randomized, double-blind, comparative study.
Fluid retention and exacerbation of preexisting or incipient peripheral edema or congestive heart disease have been reported with estramustine therapy. Edema occurred in 19% of men with metastatic or progressive prostate cancer who received estramustine (n = 93) in a randomized, double-blind, comparative study.
Dyspnea (11%), upper respiratory discharge (1%), and hoarseness (1%) occurred in men with metastatic or progressive prostate cancer who received estramustine (n = 93) in a randomized, double-blind, comparative study.
Muscle cramps (leg cramps) occurred in 8% of men with metastatic or progressive prostate cancer who received estramustine (n = 93) in a randomized, double-blind, comparative study.
Dermatologic adverse events including rash (unspecified) (1%), pruritus (2%), xerosis (2%), easy bruising/ecchymosis (3%), flushing (1%), skin peeling (1%), and thinning hair (1%) occurred in men with metastatic or progressive prostate cancer who received estramustine (n = 93) in a randomized, double-blind, comparative study.
Lethargy occurred in 4% of men with metastatic or progressive prostate cancer who received estramustine (n = 93) in a randomized, double-blind, comparative study.
Insomnia (3%), emotional lability (2%), and anxiety (1%) occurred in men with metastatic or progressive prostate cancer who received estramustine (n = 93) in a randomized, double-blind, comparative study.
Headache occurred in 1% of men with metastatic or progressive prostate cancer who received estramustine (n = 93) in a randomized, double-blind, comparative study.
Lacrimation occurred in 1% of men with metastatic or progressive prostate cancer who received estramustine (n = 93) in a randomized, double-blind, comparative study.
Elevated hepatic enzymes and hyperbilirubinemia have been reported with estramustine therapy. Elevated lactate dehydrogenase and/or AST levels (31%) and elevated bilirubin levels (1%) occurred in men with metastatic or progressive prostate cancer who received estramustine (n = 93) in a randomized, double-blind, comparative study. Monitor liver function tests periodically during therapy and at 2 months after estramustine is discontinued.
Allergic reactions and angioedema (at times involving the airway) have been reported with estramustine use.
Estramustine is contraindicated for use in patients with estradiol hypersensitivity or nitrogen mustard hypersensitivity.
Estramustine is contraindicated for use in patients with active thromboembolic disease, stroke or thrombophlebitis, except in rare cases where the actual tumor mass is the cause of the thromboembolic disease and the benefits of therapy outweigh the risks. In patients with a history of thromboembolic disease or disorder, estramustine should be given with extreme caution, especially if these disorders were associated with estrogen therapy. There is an increased risk of thrombosis, including fatal myocardial infarction, in men who take estrogen and estrogen-like compounds such as estramustine for prostate cancer. Estramustine should be administered with caution to men with a history of cerebrovascular disease, or cardiac disease, including coronary artery disease or hypertension. Blood pressure should be monitored periodically in patients receiving estramustine.
Patients with congestive heart failure or preexisting peripheral edema may experience exacerbations of these conditions during treatment with estramustine. Other conditions that may be affected by estramustine-induced fluid retention include seizure disorder, migraine, or renal failure. In addition, estramustine may influence the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. Therefore, estramustine should be used with caution in patients with metabolic bone diseases that are associated with hypercalcemia, or in patients with known renal impairment. Patients with prostate cancer and osteoblastic metastasis are at risk for hypocalcemia; monitor serum calcium concentrations.
Patients with a history of varicella, other herpes infection (e.g., herpes zoster), or other viral infection are at risk for reactivation of prior infections when treated with estramustine or other chemotherapy.
Estramustine may decrease glucose tolerance, so patients with diabetes mellitus should be carefully observed.
Estramustine may be poorly metabolized in patients with hepatic disease, so it should be administered with caution in such patients or in patients with jaundice.
Although testing has failed to demonstrate mutagenicity for estramustine phosphate, it is known that both estradiol (FDA pregnancy risk category X) and nitrogen mustard are mutagenic (FDA pregnancy risk category D). In addition, some male patients who had been impotent while on estrogen therapy have regained potency while taking estramustine. As estramustine may cause male-mediated teratogenicity, both males and females should use effective contraception while receiving estramustine therapy.
Estramustine should not be given to a woman who is breast-feeding her infant due to potential toxicities to the infant. It is not known if estramustine is excreted in breast milk. However, a metabolite of estramustine (i.e., estradiol) has been reported to interfere with milk production and duration of lactation in some women. Less than 10% of a dose passes into breast milk.
The safety and efficacy of estramustine in children have not been established.
Vaccination during chemotherapy, such as estramustine, or radiation therapy should be avoided because the antibody response is suboptimal. When chemotherapy is being planned, vaccination should precede the initiation of chemotherapy by >= 2 weeks. The administration of live vaccines to immunocompromised patients should be avoided. Those undergoing chemotherapy should not be exposed to others who have recently received the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV). Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination is not contraindicated for the close contacts, including health care professionals, of immunocompromised patients. Passive immunoprophylaxis with immune globulins may be indicated for immunocompromised persons instead of, or in addition to, vaccination. When exposed to a vaccine-preventable disease such as measles, severely immunocompromised children should be considered susceptible regardless of their vaccination history.
For the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer:
-for the treatment of hormone-refractory, metastatic prostate cancer in combination with docetaxel*:
Oral dosage:
Adult males: 280 mg orally three times daily on days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, in combination with docetaxel 60 mg/m2 IV on day 2, repeated every 21 days until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The night before docetaxel administration (day 1), begin administration of dexamethasone 60 mg PO in 3 divided doses (i.e., 20 mg orally every 12 hours for 3 doses). In a randomized, phase 3 clinical trial in patients with androgen-independent prostate cancer (n = 674), administration of docetaxel/estramustine/dexamethasone significantly improved overall survival compared with mitoxantrone/prednisone (17.5 vs. 15.6 months; p = 0.02). In addition, the median time to progression was improved in the docetaxel/estramustine/dexamethasone arm (6.3 vs. 3.2 months; p < 0.001).
-for the palliative treatment of metastatic and/or progressive prostate cancer:
Oral dosage:
Adult males: 14 mg/kg per day orally in 3 to 4 divided doses; most patients in studies in the United States have been treated at a dose range of 10 to 16 mg/kg per day. After 30 to 90 days of treatment, response should be evaluated. Continue as long as a favorable response lasts. Some patients have been maintained on therapy for more than 3 years at a dose up to 10 to 16 mg/kg per day.
Maximum Dosage Limits:
-Adults
16 mg/kg per day.
-Geriatric
16 mg/kg per day.
-Adolescents
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
-Children
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment Dosing
Specific guidelines for dosage adjustments in hepatic impairment are not available; it appears that no dosage adjustments are needed. Estramustine may be poorly metabolized in patients with hepatic disease, so it should be administered with caution in such patients.
Patients with Renal Impairment Dosing
Specific guidelines for dosage adjustments in renal impairment are not available; it appears that no dosage adjustments are needed.
*non-FDA-approved indication
Acarbose: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Albuterol; Budesonide: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Alogliptin; Metformin: (Minor) Estramustine should be used cautiously in patients receiving metformin. Patients should routinely monitor their blood glucose as indicated. Estramustine may decrease glucose tolerance leading to hyperglycemia.
Alogliptin; Pioglitazone: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Alpha interferons: (Moderate) Additive myelosuppressive effects may be seen when alpha interferons are given concurrently with other myelosuppressive agents, such as antineoplastic agents or immunosuppressives.
Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Alteplase: (Moderate) An increased risk of bleeding may occur when thrombolytic agents are used following agents that cause clinically significant thrombocytopenia including antineoplastic agents.
Azelastine; Fluticasone: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Vaccine, BCG: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Beclomethasone: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Betamethasone: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Budesonide: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Budesonide; Formoterol: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Budesonide; Glycopyrrolate; Formoterol: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Calcium Acetate: (Major) Administration of estramustine with calcium impairs the oral absorption of estramustine significantly, due to formation of a calcium-phosphate complex. Calcium-containing drugs must not be taken simultaneously with estramustine. Patients should be instructed to take estramustine with water at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after calcium supplements.
Calcium Carbonate: (Major) Administration of estramustine with calcium impairs the oral absorption of estramustine significantly, due to formation of a calcium-phosphate complex. Calcium-containing drugs must not be taken simultaneously with estramustine. Patients should be instructed to take estramustine with water at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after calcium supplements.
Calcium Carbonate; Famotidine; Magnesium Hydroxide: (Major) Administration of estramustine with calcium impairs the oral absorption of estramustine significantly, due to formation of a calcium-phosphate complex. Calcium-containing drugs must not be taken simultaneously with estramustine. Patients should be instructed to take estramustine with water at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after calcium supplements.
Calcium Carbonate; Magnesium Hydroxide: (Major) Administration of estramustine with calcium impairs the oral absorption of estramustine significantly, due to formation of a calcium-phosphate complex. Calcium-containing drugs must not be taken simultaneously with estramustine. Patients should be instructed to take estramustine with water at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after calcium supplements.
Calcium Carbonate; Magnesium Hydroxide; Simethicone: (Major) Administration of estramustine with calcium impairs the oral absorption of estramustine significantly, due to formation of a calcium-phosphate complex. Calcium-containing drugs must not be taken simultaneously with estramustine. Patients should be instructed to take estramustine with water at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after calcium supplements.
Calcium Carbonate; Simethicone: (Major) Administration of estramustine with calcium impairs the oral absorption of estramustine significantly, due to formation of a calcium-phosphate complex. Calcium-containing drugs must not be taken simultaneously with estramustine. Patients should be instructed to take estramustine with water at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after calcium supplements.
Calcium Chloride: (Major) Administration of estramustine with calcium impairs the oral absorption of estramustine significantly, due to formation of a calcium-phosphate complex. Calcium-containing drugs must not be taken simultaneously with estramustine. Patients should be instructed to take estramustine with water at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after calcium supplements.
Calcium Gluconate: (Major) Administration of estramustine with calcium impairs the oral absorption of estramustine significantly, due to formation of a calcium-phosphate complex. Calcium-containing drugs must not be taken simultaneously with estramustine. Patients should be instructed to take estramustine with water at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after calcium supplements.
Calcium: (Major) Administration of estramustine with calcium impairs the oral absorption of estramustine significantly, due to formation of a calcium-phosphate complex. Calcium-containing drugs must not be taken simultaneously with estramustine. Patients should be instructed to take estramustine with water at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after calcium supplements.
Calcium; Vitamin D: (Major) Administration of estramustine with calcium impairs the oral absorption of estramustine significantly, due to formation of a calcium-phosphate complex. Calcium-containing drugs must not be taken simultaneously with estramustine. Patients should be instructed to take estramustine with water at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after calcium supplements.
Calcium; Vitamin D: (Major) Administration of estramustine with calcium impairs the oral absorption of estramustine significantly, due to formation of a calcium-phosphate complex. Calcium-containing drugs must not be taken simultaneously with estramustine. Patients should be instructed to take estramustine with water at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after calcium supplements.
Canagliflozin; Metformin: (Minor) Estramustine should be used cautiously in patients receiving metformin. Patients should routinely monitor their blood glucose as indicated. Estramustine may decrease glucose tolerance leading to hyperglycemia.
Chikungunya Vaccine, Live: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Cholera Vaccine: (Moderate) Patients receiving immunosuppressant medications may have a diminished response to the live cholera vaccine. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines prior to initiating immunosuppressant medications. Counsel patients receiving immunosuppressant medications about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure to cholera bacteria after receiving the vaccine.
Chromium: (Major) Administration of estramustine with calcium impairs the oral absorption of estramustine significantly, due to formation of a calcium-phosphate complex. Calcium-containing drugs must not be taken simultaneously with estramustine. Patients should be instructed to take estramustine with water at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after calcium supplements.
Ciclesonide: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Clobazam: (Major) Concurrent administration of clobazam, a weak CYP3A4 inducer, with estrogens, may increase the elimination of these hormones. Patients may need to be monitored for reduced clinical effect while on clobazam, with dose adjustments made based on clinical efficacy.
Clozapine: (Major) It is unclear if concurrent use of other drugs known to cause neutropenia (e.g., antineoplastic agents) increases the risk or severity of clozapine-induced neutropenia. Because there is no strong rationale for avoiding clozapine in patients treated with these drugs, consider increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring and consult the treating oncologist.
Corticosteroids: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Cortisone: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Dapagliflozin; Metformin: (Minor) Estramustine should be used cautiously in patients receiving metformin. Patients should routinely monitor their blood glucose as indicated. Estramustine may decrease glucose tolerance leading to hyperglycemia.
Deflazacort: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine, Live: (Moderate) Patients receiving immunosuppressant medications may have a diminished response to the dengue virus vaccine. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least 2 weeks prior to initiating immunosuppressant medications. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving immunosuppressant medications about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Dexamethasone: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Diclofenac: (Minor) An increased risk of bleeding may occur when NSAIDs, such as diclofenac, are used with agents that cause clinically significant thrombocytopenia, such as myelosuppressive antineoplastic agents. Monitor closely for bleeding.
Diclofenac; Misoprostol: (Minor) An increased risk of bleeding may occur when NSAIDs, such as diclofenac, are used with agents that cause clinically significant thrombocytopenia, such as myelosuppressive antineoplastic agents. Monitor closely for bleeding.
Digoxin: (Moderate) Some antineoplastic agents have been reported to decrease the absorption of digoxin tablets due to their adverse effects on the GI mucosa; the effect on digoxin liquid is not known. The reduction in digoxin tablet absorption has resulted in plasma concentrations that are 50% of pretreatment levels and has been clinically significant in some patients. It is prudent to closely monitor patients for loss of clinical efficacy of digoxin while receiving antineoplastic therapy.
Empagliflozin; Linagliptin; Metformin: (Minor) Estramustine should be used cautiously in patients receiving metformin. Patients should routinely monitor their blood glucose as indicated. Estramustine may decrease glucose tolerance leading to hyperglycemia.
Empagliflozin; Metformin: (Minor) Estramustine should be used cautiously in patients receiving metformin. Patients should routinely monitor their blood glucose as indicated. Estramustine may decrease glucose tolerance leading to hyperglycemia.
Ertugliflozin; Metformin: (Minor) Estramustine should be used cautiously in patients receiving metformin. Patients should routinely monitor their blood glucose as indicated. Estramustine may decrease glucose tolerance leading to hyperglycemia.
Ethotoin: (Moderate) Estrogens are metabolized by CYP3A4. Concurrent administration of hepatic enzyme inducers with estrogens, including hydantoin anticonvulsants, may increase the elimination of estrogen.
Etodolac: (Minor) An increased risk of bleeding may occur when NSAIDs, such as etodolac, are used with agents that cause clinically significant thrombocytopenia, such as myelosuppressive antineoplastic agents. Monitor closely for bleeding.
Febuxostat: (Major) Coadministration of febuxostat and cytotoxic antineoplastic agents has not been studied. After antineoplastic therapy, tumor cell breakdown may greatly increase the rate of purine metabolism to uric acid. Febuxostat inhibits uric acid formation, but does not affect xanthine and hypoxanthine formation. An increased renal load of these two uric acid precursors can occur and result in xanthine nephropathy and calculi.
Fenoprofen: (Major) An increased risk of bleeding may occur when NSAIDs, such as fenoprofen, are used with agents that cause clinically significant thrombocytopenia, such as myelosuppressive antineoplastic agents. Monitor closely for bleeding.
Filgrastim, G-CSF: (Major) Filgrastim induces the proliferation of neutrophil-progenitor cells, and, because antineoplastic agents exert their toxic effects against rapidly growing cells, filgrastim is contraindicated for use during the 24 hours before or after cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Fludrocortisone: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Flunisolide: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Flurbiprofen: (Minor) An increased risk of bleeding may occur when NSAIDs, such as flurbiprofen, are used with agents that cause clinically significant thrombocytopenia, such as myelosuppressive antineoplastic agents. Monitor closely for bleeding.
Fluticasone: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Fluticasone; Salmeterol: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Fluticasone; Umeclidinium; Vilanterol: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Fluticasone; Vilanterol: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Food: (Major) Milk, milk products, and calcium-rich foods must not be taken simultaneously with estramustine. Patients should be instructed to take estramustine with water at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
Formoterol; Mometasone: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Fosphenytoin: (Moderate) Estrogens are metabolized by CYP3A4. Concurrent administration of hepatic enzyme inducers with estrogens, including hydantoin anticonvulsants, may increase the elimination of estrogen.
Glimepiride: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Glipizide: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Glipizide; Metformin: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction. (Minor) Estramustine should be used cautiously in patients receiving metformin. Patients should routinely monitor their blood glucose as indicated. Estramustine may decrease glucose tolerance leading to hyperglycemia.
Glyburide: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Glyburide; Metformin: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction. (Minor) Estramustine should be used cautiously in patients receiving metformin. Patients should routinely monitor their blood glucose as indicated. Estramustine may decrease glucose tolerance leading to hyperglycemia.
Hydantoins: (Moderate) Estrogens are metabolized by CYP3A4. Concurrent administration of hepatic enzyme inducers with estrogens, including hydantoin anticonvulsants, may increase the elimination of estrogen.
Hydrocortisone: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Insulin Aspart: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Insulin Aspart; Insulin Aspart Protamine: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Insulin Degludec: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Insulin Degludec; Liraglutide: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Insulin Detemir: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Insulin Glargine: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Insulin Glargine; Lixisenatide: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Insulin Glulisine: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Insulin Lispro: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Insulin Lispro; Insulin Lispro Protamine: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Insulin, Inhaled: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Insulins: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Interferon Alfa-2b: (Moderate) Additive myelosuppressive effects may be seen when alpha interferons are given concurrently with other myelosuppressive agents, such as antineoplastic agents or immunosuppressives.
Interferon Alfa-n3: (Moderate) Additive myelosuppressive effects may be seen when alpha interferons are given concurrently with other myelosuppressive agents, such as antineoplastic agents or immunosuppressives.
Intranasal Influenza Vaccine: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Isophane Insulin (NPH): (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Linagliptin; Metformin: (Minor) Estramustine should be used cautiously in patients receiving metformin. Patients should routinely monitor their blood glucose as indicated. Estramustine may decrease glucose tolerance leading to hyperglycemia.
Live Vaccines: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Measles Virus; Mumps Virus; Rubella Virus; Varicella Virus Vaccine, Live: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Measles/Mumps/Rubella Vaccines, MMR: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Meglitinides: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Metformin: (Minor) Estramustine should be used cautiously in patients receiving metformin. Patients should routinely monitor their blood glucose as indicated. Estramustine may decrease glucose tolerance leading to hyperglycemia.
Metformin; Repaglinide: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction. (Minor) Estramustine should be used cautiously in patients receiving metformin. Patients should routinely monitor their blood glucose as indicated. Estramustine may decrease glucose tolerance leading to hyperglycemia.
Metformin; Saxagliptin: (Minor) Estramustine should be used cautiously in patients receiving metformin. Patients should routinely monitor their blood glucose as indicated. Estramustine may decrease glucose tolerance leading to hyperglycemia.
Metformin; Sitagliptin: (Minor) Estramustine should be used cautiously in patients receiving metformin. Patients should routinely monitor their blood glucose as indicated. Estramustine may decrease glucose tolerance leading to hyperglycemia.
Methylprednisolone: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Miglitol: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Mometasone: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Nateglinide: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Nefazodone: (Moderate) It is not known if nefazodone interacts with estrasmustine, but the interaction seems theoretically possible since estramustine contains an estradiol molecule linked to nornitrogen mustard and nefazodone inhibits the hepatic CYP3A4 isoenzyme which is responsible for the metabolism of estrogens. Until more data are available, monitor for potential estrogen-related side effects, such as increased nausea and fluid-retention.
Olopatadine; Mometasone: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Peginterferon Alfa-2a: (Moderate) Additive myelosuppressive effects may be seen when alpha interferons are given concurrently with other myelosuppressive agents, such as antineoplastic agents or immunosuppressives.
Peginterferon Alfa-2b: (Moderate) Additive myelosuppressive effects may be seen when alpha interferons are given concurrently with other myelosuppressive agents, such as antineoplastic agents or immunosuppressives.
Phenytoin: (Moderate) Estrogens are metabolized by CYP3A4. Concurrent administration of hepatic enzyme inducers with estrogens, including hydantoin anticonvulsants, may increase the elimination of estrogen.
Pioglitazone: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Pioglitazone; Glimepiride: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Pioglitazone; Metformin: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction. (Minor) Estramustine should be used cautiously in patients receiving metformin. Patients should routinely monitor their blood glucose as indicated. Estramustine may decrease glucose tolerance leading to hyperglycemia.
Polycarbophil: (Major) Administration of estramustine with calcium polycarbophil can impair the oral absorption of estramustine significantly, due to formation of a calcium-phosphate complex. Each 625 mg of calcium polycarbophil contains a substantial amount of calcium (approximately 125 mg) and must not be taken simultaneously with estramustine. Patients should be instructed to take estramustine with water at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
Prednisolone: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Prednisone: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Pyridoxine, Vitamin B6: (Major) Administration of estramustine with calcium impairs the oral absorption of estramustine significantly, due to formation of a calcium-phosphate complex. Calcium-containing drugs must not be taken simultaneously with estramustine. Patients should be instructed to take estramustine with water at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after calcium supplements.
Regular Insulin: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Regular Insulin; Isophane Insulin (NPH): (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Repaglinide: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Reteplase, r-PA: (Moderate) An increased risk of bleeding may occur when thrombolytic agents are used following agents that cause clinically significant thrombocytopenia including antineoplastic agents.
Ropeginterferon alfa-2b: (Moderate) Additive myelosuppressive effects may be seen when alpha interferons are given concurrently with other myelosuppressive agents, such as antineoplastic agents or immunosuppressives.
Rosiglitazone: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Rotavirus Vaccine: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccines: (Moderate) Patients receiving immunosuppressant medications may have a diminished response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus vaccine. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines prior to initiating immunosuppressant medications. Counsel patients receiving immunosuppressant medications about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure to SARS-CoV-2 virus after receiving the vaccine.
SARS-CoV-2 Virus (COVID-19) Adenovirus Vector Vaccine: (Moderate) Patients receiving immunosuppressant medications may have a diminished response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus vaccine. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines prior to initiating immunosuppressant medications. Counsel patients receiving immunosuppressant medications about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure to SARS-CoV-2 virus after receiving the vaccine.
SARS-CoV-2 Virus (COVID-19) mRNA Vaccine: (Moderate) Patients receiving immunosuppressant medications may have a diminished response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus vaccine. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines prior to initiating immunosuppressant medications. Counsel patients receiving immunosuppressant medications about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure to SARS-CoV-2 virus after receiving the vaccine.
SARS-CoV-2 Virus (COVID-19) Recombinant Spike Protein Nanoparticle Vaccine: (Moderate) Patients receiving immunosuppressant medications may have a diminished response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus vaccine. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines prior to initiating immunosuppressant medications. Counsel patients receiving immunosuppressant medications about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure to SARS-CoV-2 virus after receiving the vaccine.
Smallpox and Monkeypox Vaccine, Live, Nonreplicating: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Smallpox Vaccine, Vaccinia Vaccine: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Sulfonylureas: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Tbo-Filgrastim: (Major) Filgrastim induces the proliferation of neutrophil-progenitor cells, and, because antineoplastic agents exert their toxic effects against rapidly growing cells, filgrastim is contraindicated for use during the 24 hours before or after cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Tenecteplase: (Moderate) An increased risk of bleeding may occur when thrombolytic agents are used following agents that cause clinically significant thrombocytopenia including antineoplastic agents.
Thiazolidinediones: (Minor) Estramustine is an estrogen-containing medication and may decrease glucose tolerance. Patients receiving antidiabetic agents should monitor their blood glucose levels frequently due to this potential pharmacodynamic interaction.
Thrombolytic Agents: (Moderate) An increased risk of bleeding may occur when thrombolytic agents are used following agents that cause clinically significant thrombocytopenia including antineoplastic agents.
Triamcinolone: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Tuberculin Purified Protein Derivative, PPD: (Moderate) Immunosuppressives may decrease the immunological response to tuberculin purified protein derivative, PPD. This suppressed reactivity can persist for up to 6 weeks after treatment discontinuation. Consider deferring the skin test until completion of the immunosuppressive therapy.
Typhoid Vaccine: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Varicella-Zoster Virus Vaccine, Live: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Yellow Fever Vaccine, Live: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Estramustine is classified as an alkylating agent, but its mechanism of action is probably due to antimicrotubule activity. Estramustine possesses several unique pharmacologic actions. The estradiol portion of estramustine was originally designed to facilitate uptake by steroid receptors in malignant cells, to be followed by a release of the nitrogen mustard alkylating moiety. Prolonged treatment with estramustine produces elevated levels of estradiol similar to levels seen with conventional estrogen therapy for prostate cancer. Estrogenic effects as demonstrated by changes in circulating levels of steroids and pituitary hormones, are similar in patients treated with either estramustine or conventional estradiol therapy. The selective uptake and incorporation of estramustine in tumor tissues is probably due to the presence of estramustine-binding protein (EMBP), which is found in prostatate carcinoma, glioma, melanoma, and breast carcinoma. Estramustine binds to high molecular weight microtubule associated proteins and/or tubulin which results in the microtubule disassembly and arrest of cell division in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. In addition to antimicrotubule activity, estramustine causes rapid and dose-related DNA strand breaks, and may inhibit DNA synthesis. Estramustine resistant cells exhibit no cross-resistance to other antimicrotubule agents and natural products, in which resistance is conferred by the (multidrug resistance) MDR phenotype. The phosphate moiety of orally administered estramustine may bind calcium, especially in patients with metabolic bone diseases that are associated with hypercalcemia, or in patients with renal insufficiency.
Estramustine may also have cytotoxic effects through the production of apoptosis, or programmed cell death, which has been demonstrated in glioma cells in a rat model in vitro, and in vivo. Estramustine may not be totally active through hormonal mechanisms, since it is active in cell lines that lack estrogen receptors. The combination of estramustine and other microtubule agents, such as vinblastine and paclitaxel, may produce synergistic cytotoxicity in vitro.
Estramustine is administered orally. The metabolites in plasma are estramustine, estromustine, estradiol and estrone. Estromustine (17-keto analog) is the major metabolite. Estramustine is excreted as metabolites of both the alkylating and estrogenic moieties in the bile, urine and feces. Nonrenal excretion is considered the main route of elimination. Elimination half-life is 20-24 hours.
-Route-Specific Pharmacokinetics
Oral Route
Approximately 44-75% of orally administered estramustine phosphate is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Estramustine phosphate is readily dephosphorylated during absorption, and peak plasma concentrations are achieved in 2-3 hours.