PC-SPES

Health and PC-SPES

1. PC-SPES have reported improvements in patients with prostate cancer; both androgen-dependent and androgen-independent. Patients treated with PC-SPES showed reduced PSA levels, improvement in bone scans and X-rays, reduced pain and improvement in general quality of life.
2. PC-SPES may have estrogen like effects due to the undeclared drug in its composition.
3. Different lots of PC-SPES produced from 1996 to 2001 had different ingredients and composition; this raised a question on the effectiveness of the studies carried out for PC-SPES.
   
   
   
   Also because of this composition confusion PC-SPES was never been compared with placebo or standard cancer treatments in the studies.
4. Due to this unclear state and for theoretical safety concerns this product should not be used by patients in general and the ones who posses it.

Side effects of PC-SPES

1. PC-SPEC is been recalled from the market due to undeclared drug in the product.
2. PC-SPES may increase the risk of blood clots; life threatening blood clots have been reported in lungs with its use.
3. In contrast due to the presence of warfarin, cases of bleeding have also been reported. Thus patients with bleeding disorders or on medications for the same should not use this product.
4. PC-SPES is also associated with breast enlargement, nipple/breast tenderness, erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, hot flashes, leg cramps and edema.
5. PC-SPES may have estrogen like effects and thus is not recommended in pregnancy and lactation as its safety and effectiveness is not well evaluated.
6. This product may also interact with certain drugs, herbal and dietary supplements.