Cabergoline (By mouth)
ka-BER-goe-leen
Lowers high levels of prolactin (a hormone) in your blood.
Drug classes
Antiparkinsonian, Prolactin Secretion Inhibitor (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Cabergoline is used to treat different types of medical problems that occur when too much of the hormone prolactin is produced. It can be used to treat certain menstrual problems, fertility problems in men and women, and pituitary prolactinomas (tumors of the pituitary gland).
It works by stopping the brain from making and releasing the prolactin hormone from the pituitary gland. Cabergoline use is usually stopped when prolactin levels are normal for 6 months. It may be given again if symptoms of too much prolactin occur again.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how cabergoline works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
Bromocriptine Medicine that could lower your blood pressure, such as diuretics (water pills) Metoclopramide Phenothiazine medicine, such as prochlorperazine or chlorpromazine Thiothixene medicineWhen Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to cabergoline or to any ergot medicine. Do not use it if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, a history of heart problems (such as heart valve disease), or fibrotic disorder (scarring) of the heart, lungs, or stomach.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you think you might become pregnant while you are using this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, breathing or lung problems, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
This medicine may increase your risk for serious heart, kidney, lung, or stomach problems.
The first few doses of cabergoline may make you lightheaded or dizzy, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position. Get up slowly. Do not drive or use machines if you are not alert.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. You may need a blood test or other tests to check for unwanted effects.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blood in your urine, lower back pain, side pain, or sharp back pain just below the ribs
Change in how much or how often you urinate
Chest pain or tightness
Cough, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing
Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
Severe stomach pain or tenderness
Swelling in your face, hands, ankles, lower legs, or feet
Unusual sleepiness, drowsiness, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, mild stomach pain, or upset stomach
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Dostinex
There may be other brand names for this medicine.