Cabergoline

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.

Cabergoline should be taken with food.

Many things can affect the dose of 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 Cabergoline exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon you remember 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. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Cabergoline at room temperature, in a dry place, away from heat and direct light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

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.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause headaches; it may cause diarrhea or constipation, depending on the person; it may cause dizziness - use caution when getting up from a lying or sitting position and use caution if driving; it may cause unusual tiredness; it may cause nausea or, rarely, vomiting. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Each white, capsule-shaped tablet, scored with "APO" on one side of the scoreline and "CA" and "0.5" on either side of the bisect on the other side, contains 0.5 mg of cabergoline. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose anhydrous, leucine, and magnesium stearate.

Do not take cabergoline if you:

• are allergic to cabergoline or any ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to ergot derivatives (e.g., ergotamine)
• have a history of lung or heart fibrotic disorders
• have altered heart valves (e.g., valve restriction)
• have high blood pressure that is not controlled

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

• alpha/beta agonists (e.g., Epinephrine, norepinephrine)
• amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine, Lisdexamfetamine)
• antipsychotics (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Clozapine, Haloperidol, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
• beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., Atenolol, Propranolol, Sotalol)
• Bromocriptine
• Buspirone
• Cyclobenzaprine
• decongestants (e.g., phenylephrine, psuedoephedrine, xylometazoline)
• Desvenlafaxine
• Dextromethorphan
• dopamine
• ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine, Dihydroergotamine)
• lithium
• medications used to control blood pressure
• macrolide antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• methylene blue
• Metoclopramide
• Midodrine
• Mirtazapine
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (M.O.S. e.g., Moclobemide, Phenelzine, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine)
• narcotic pain relievers (e.g., Codeine, Fentanyl, Morphine, Oxycodone)
• nefazodone
• Nitroglycerin
• St. John's wort
• Tapentadol
• Tramadol
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline)
• serotonin antagonists (anti-emetic medications; e.g., Granisetron, Ondansetron)
• tramadol
• Trazodone
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, Desipramine, Trimipramine)
• "triptan" migraine medications (e.g., Eletriptan, Sumatriptan)
• Tryptophan
• Venlafaxine

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 Cabergoline. 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.

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 Cabergoline.

Behaviour changes: Some people have reported changes in behaviour associated with taking cabergoline. There have been occasional reports of aggressive behaviour or hostility, anxiousness, disorientation, or decreased memory. This may be more likely to happen if you have a history of mental illness, such as depression or psychotic episodes. If you experience any of these effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Cabergoline, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Dizziness: Cabergoline can cause severe dizziness, especially when rising from a sitting or lying position. This may occur more often when other medications with similar side effects are being taken. People taking medications that can cause dizziness should rise slowly from sitting or lying down to reduce the possibility of severe dizziness or fainting.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Cabergoline may affect the mental or physical abilities needed to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Cabergoline affects you.

Heart, lung, and kidney function: Your doctor will assess the functioning of your heart, lungs, and kidney if prolonged treatment is required as prolonged use of Cabergoline can cause fibrosis or dysfunction of these organs. If you experience shortness of breath, a cough that won't go away, or chest pain, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Cabergoline to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Cabergoline may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cabergoline, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Cabergoline.

Cabergoline has been reported to cause liver failure, which can cause death. Cabergoline may also cause a decrease in liver function. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Pregnancy: Cabergoline should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Cabergoline, contact your doctor immediately.

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

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Cabergoline have not been established for children less than 16 years old. Cabergoline should not be used by this age group unless the benefits outweigh the risks.

Seniors: Studies of cabergoline have not been carried out in seniors. Cabergoline should not be used by this age group unless the benefits outweigh the risks.

This medication is typically used only once a week. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. It is not advisable to stop using this product suddenly, particularly if you have been on it for several weeks. If you are considering stopping the medication, talk to your pharmacist first. It is preferable to take this medication with a meal or a snack in order to reduce adverse effects.