Bromocriptine Tablets (Diabetes)

What is this medication?

BROMOCRIPTINE (broe moe KRIP teen) treats type 2 diabetes. It works by decreasing your blood sugar (glucose). Changes to diet and exercise are often combined with this medication.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cycloset

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Liver disease
• Low blood pressure
• Mental health conditions
• Migraines with fainting
• Type 1 diabetes
• An unusual or allergic reaction to bromocriptine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Take it with food. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss your morning dose, wait until the next morning to take your medication. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following medications:

• Ergot alkaloids, such as dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine

This medication may also interact with the following medications:

• Alcohol
• Antiviral medications for HIV or AIDS
• Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
• Certain antibiotics for infection, such as chloramphenicol, clarithromycin, erythromycin, sulfa antibiotics
• Certain medications for fungal infections, such as ketoconazole or itraconazole
• Certain medications for mental health conditions
• Certain medications for migraine, such as almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan and sumatriptan
• Certain medications for Parkinson disease and related conditions, such as cabergoline, pramipexole, ropinirole
• Grapefruit juice
• Isometheptene
• Metoclopramide
• Phenylephrine
• Pseudoephedrine
• Probenecid
• Rifampin
• St. John's Wort
• Stimulant medications for ADHD, weight loss, or to stay awake

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

A test called the HbA1C (A1C) will be monitored. This is a simple blood test. It measures your blood sugar control over the last 2 to 3 months. You will receive this test every 3 to 6 months.

Learn how to check your blood sugar. Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.

Always carry a quick-source of sugar with you in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of low blood sugar, such as seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once.

Tell your care team if you have high blood sugar. You might need to change the dose of your medication. If you are sick or exercising more than usual, you might need to change the dose of your medication.

Do not skip meals. Ask your care team if you should avoid alcohol. Many nonprescription cough and cold products contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medication and dosage times.

Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. Talk to your care team before breastfeeding. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
• Urges to engage in impulsive behaviors such as gambling, binge eating, sexual activity, or shopping in ways that are unusual for you

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature at or below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.