Dostinex

Brand Names: Dostinex

Common Name: cabergoline

What is this drug used for?

Cabergoline belongs to a class of medicines known as prolactin inhibitors. Prolactin inhibitors such as cabergoline are used to treat different types of medical problems that occur when too much of the hormone prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland, which is found in the brain. An excess production of prolactin can result in menstrual problems in women and fertility problems in men and women.

Cabergoline stops the brain from making and releasing prolactin from the pituitary gland. Cabergoline is also used to prevent the onset of normal lactation (milk production) in cases where there is a medical need to prevent lactation.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

Cabergoline should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to cabergoline or any of the ingredients of the medication
• is allergic to ergot derivatives (e.g., ergotamine)
• has high blood pressure that is not controlled

What about possible side effects?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

More common:

• constipation
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea or stomach discomfort
• weakness

  Less common:

• burning, itching or stinging of the skin
• diarrhea
• dry mouth or toothache
• gas
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• hot flashes
• mental depression
• muscle or joint pain
• runny nose
• sleepiness
• sore throat
• trouble sleeping
• vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common:

• abdominal pain
• vertigo (a feeling of whirling or movement of yourself or your surroundings)

  Rare:

• changes in vision
• difficulty in concentrating
• dizziness or fainting when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• loss of appetite
• swelling of hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs
• unusually fast heartbeat
• weight gain or loss

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• fainting
• hallucinations
• lightheadedness
• racing heart
• stuffy nose

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

What if I am taking other drugs?

There may be an interaction between cabergoline and any of the following:

• butyrophenone drugs (e.g., haloperidol)
• medications used to control blood pressure
• metoclopramide
• phenothiazine drugs (e.g., thioridazine, chlorpromazine, prochloperazine)
• thioxanthene drugs (e.g., thiothixene)

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Other information:

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

High blood pressure: Cabergoline can worsen high blood pressure. People who have uncontrolled high blood pressure should not use this medication. Those with a history of high blood pressure should weigh the potential benefits against the risks of using this medication.

Liver disease: Cabergoline may worsen liver disease. The doctor may lower the dose used if necessary. The potential benefits of using cabergoline should be weighed against the risks under these circumstances.

Pregnancy: Be sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant while taking cabergoline. The risks and benefits of treatment will need to be discussed.

Also, Cabergoline should not be used in women with high blood pressure conditions caused by pregnancy, such as eclampsia or preeclampsia, unless the benefits outweigh the risks.

Children and seniors: Studies of cabergoline have not been carried out in children or seniors. Use of the medication should not be used in these age groups unless the benefits outweigh the risks.

Special Instructions:

When used to prevent the onset of normal lactation, the dose is 1 mg of cabergoline given as a single dose on the first day after having a baby.

For prolactin disorders, the recommended starting dose of cabergoline for adults is 0.5 mg per week, given in 1 or 2 doses per week (for 2 doses, the tablet is cut in half). The dose may be increased by 0.5 mg per week until a maximum of 2 mg per week is reached. The dose should not be increased more often than every 4 weeks. The eventual dose of the medication will depend on the results of lab tests that measure the amount of prolactin in your blood. After the tests have been in the normal range for at least 6 months, the doctor may decide to stop the medication and continue to monitor the levels of prolactin in the blood.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered if it is within 1 or 2 days of when you were supposed to take it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Store this medication in a dry place, away from heat and direct light.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

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