Canadian Brand Names

CO Cabergoline; Dostinex®

Mexican Brand Names

Dostinex

Pharmacologic Category

Ergot Derivative

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

This medicine does not mix well with many medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to cabergoline or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure.

• If you are breast-feeding.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat females who do not have a menstrual cycle.

• This medicine is used to treat females who have too much milk production.

• This medicine is used to treat some prolactin-secreting tumors.

How does it work?

• Cabergoline prevents prolactin secretion.

• It improves the chemical balance in the brain.

How is it best taken?

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

• Take this medicine at bedtime to prevent upset stomach.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have heart disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have lung disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Low blood pressure.

• Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Headache.

• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.

• Belly pain.

• Feeling tired or weak.

• Heart valve damage can rarely occur.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Change in strength on one side greater than the other, difficulty speaking or thinking, change in balance, or blurred vision.

• Difficulty breathing.

• Chest pain or pressure or fast heartbeat.

• Numbness or tingling of hands or feet.

• Swelling.

• Severe dizziness or passing out.

• Severe headache.

• Feeling extremely tired or weak.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• For females, if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 11:07:10.0

Modified: 2009-08-04 09:18:12.0

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