Cabergoline (By mouth)

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

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. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. 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• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• 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 bromocriptine (Parlodel®), chlorprothixene (Taractan®), haloperidol (Haldol®), metoclopramide (Reglan®), thiothixene (Navane®), or a phenothiazine medicine (such as prochlorperazine, 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, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. 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. You and your doctor should discuss whether you should continue to take this medicine during pregnancy.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease, breathing or lung problems, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
• This medicine may increase your risk of having serious heart, kidney, lung, or stomach problems. Check with your doctor right away if you have chest pain or tightness; extreme tiredness; lower back or side pain; lump or tenderness in the stomach; persistent cough; shortness of breath; troubled breathing; or swelling in your hands, ankles, lower legs, 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. Also, avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Some people who have used this medicine had unusual changes in their behavior. Talk with your doctor if you start having problems with gambling or increased sex drive while using this medicine.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments. Blood and other tests for the heart may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

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
• Blood in the urine, lower back pain, side pain, or sharp back pain just below the ribs.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Chest pain or tightness.
• Cough, shortness of breath, or troubled breathing.
• Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Severe stomach pain or tenderness.
• Swelling in your face, hands, ankles, lower legs, or feet.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.

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

• Headache.
• Lack or loss of strength.
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation, mild stomach pain, or upset stomach.
• Problems with gambling or increased sex drive.
• Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness.

Introduction

Cabergoline (ka-BER-goe-leen)

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

Brand Name(s)