This medication is used to treat high levels of
prolactin hormone in your body. High levels of prolactin in women can cause
symptoms such as unwanted breast milk and missed periods and can cause
difficulty becoming pregnant. High levels of prolactin in men can cause
symptoms such as enlarged breasts and decreased sexual ability/desire.
Cabergoline is an ergot medication and works by blocking the release of
prolactin from the pituitary gland.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually twice a week.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, labs
(prolactin levels), and response to treatment. Your doctor will start you
at a low dose and slowly increase your dose over several months to help
decrease side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions
carefully.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, constipation,
dizziness, lightheadedness, or tiredness may occur. If any of these effects
last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get
up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- cough that doesn't go away
- mental/mood changes (such as nervousness)
- unusual strong urges (such as increased gambling, increased
sexual urges)
- vision changes
- painful menses
- breast pain
- symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness of breath,
swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight
gain)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- chest pain
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine, lower back/flank pain)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking cabergoline, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other ergot medications (such
as ergotamine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may
contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other
problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- liver disease
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- heart valve disease
- abnormal scarring/thickening of the lining in the
lungs/heart/behind the abdomen (pulmonary/pericardial/retroperitoneal
fibrosis)
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication. Consult
your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- lorcaserin
- metoclopramide
- prochlorperazine
Other medications can affect the removal of cabergoline
from your body, which may affect how cabergoline works. Examples include
certain azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole,
posaconazole), cobicistat, ritonavir, among others.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include severe
dizziness, fainting, mental/mood changes (such as
hallucinations).
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as prolactin levels, EKG)
should be done before you start taking this medication and while you are
taking it. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for
more details.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.