Cabergoline (By mouth)

Introduction

Cabergoline (ka-BER-goe-leen)

Lowers high levels of prolactin (a hormone) in your blood.

Brand Name(s)

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using metoclopramide (Reglan®), haloperidol (Haldol®), chlorprothixene (Taractan®), thiothixene (Navane®), or a phenothiazine (such as Compazine®, Phenergan®, Serentil®, or Thorazine®).
• Tell your doctor if you are using any other medicine that could lower your blood pressure, such as diuretics or "water pills".

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you think you might be pregnant at any time while you are using this medicine. If you are pregnant, make sure your doctor knows if you also have high blood pressure.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have breathing problems, heart disease, or liver disease.
• This medicine may increase your risk of having serious heart or lung problems. Check with your doctor right away if you have chest pain or tightness; troubled breathing; shortness of breath; persistent cough; extreme tiredness; or swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• The first few doses of cabergoline may make you lightheaded or dizzy especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Chest pain or tightness.
• Cough, shortness of breath.
• Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Swelling in your face, hands, ankles, or feet.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache.
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, or upset stomach.
• Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor