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Cabergoline tablets

Cabergoline is a medication that treats high levels of prolactin in your blood. Prolactin is a hormone that’s responsible for lactation, certain breast tissue development and milk production. High prolactin can cause irregular periods, infertility or erectile dysfunction. The brand name of this medication is Dostinex®.

What is this medication?

Cabergoline (ca BER goe leen) is used to treat high levels of prolactin in the blood. High prolactin levels may cause bone loss, irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, unwanted breast milk production, or sexual problems. This medicine also treats high levels of prolactin caused by certain tumors.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Dostinex

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

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

  • heart disease
  • high blood pressure
  • liver disease
  • low blood pressure
  • lung or breathing disease
  • an unusual or allergic reaction to cabergoline, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine may be taken with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine 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 a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

  • droperidol
  • ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
  • haloperidol and other medicines for psychotic disorders
  • medicines for high blood pressure
  • metoclopramide
  • phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, promethazine

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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 health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

There are have been reports of increased sexual urges or other strong urges such as gambling while taking this medicine. If you experience any of these while taking this medicine, you should report this to your health care professional as soon as possible.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • breathing problems
  • chest pain
  • confusion
  • hallucinations
  • new or increased gambling urges, sexual urges, uncontrollable spending, binge or compulsive eating, or other urges
  • persistent cough
  • swelling of the ankles, feet, hands
  • unusually weak or tired

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

  • constipation
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • nausea

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.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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