Cabergoline

Uses of Cabergoline

Cabergoline is a medication primarily used to treat conditions caused by high levels of the hormone prolactin (hyperprolactinemia), such as prolactinomas (benign pituitary tumors), and disorders related to Parkinson’s disease. It works by acting as a dopamine agonist, which means it mimics the action of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain.

Common Uses:

• Hyperprolactinemia – to lower elevated prolactin levels.
• Parkinson’s Disease – used alongside other treatments to manage symptoms of Parkinson’s.
• Acromegaly – sometimes used as an adjunct therapy to reduce growth hormone levels.
• Infertility – in cases related to high prolactin levels, it may help restore fertility.

Precautions and Warings

Who should not use cabergoline?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take cabergoline.

• Cabergoline
• Dostinex
• Ergot derivatives, which are medicines that may be used to treat Parkinson’s disease, migraine, and other conditions
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific cabergoline products they stock.

Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure. Cabergoline should not be taken if you have high blood pressure that is not controlled.

Heart Valve Problems. Cabergoline should not be taken if you have or have had problems with your heart valves.

Tissue Buildup or Scarring (Fibrosis). Cabergoline should not be taken if you have or have had a condition that causes tissue buildup or scarring (fibrosis) around organs such as your lungs, stomach area, or heart.

Dosage

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For disorders of high prolactin levels or pituitary tumors:

• Adults—At first, 0.25 milligram (mg) 2 times a week. Your doctor may increase your dose every 4 weeks as needed, according to body prolactin levels, up to 1 mg two times a week.
• Children—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Tiredness or weakness
• Low blood pressure upon standing

Common Side Effects:

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain