Cabergoline is used to treat hyperprolactinaemia (high prolactin levels in the blood).
This medicine helps reduce your body's level of prolactin. Prolactin is a hormone that stimulates breast development and it aids in the formation of milk during pregnancy.
Cabergoline may also be used on its own or together with other medicines to treat Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement, and impaired balance or walking.
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Cabergoline exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Your doctor will also discuss the use of this medicine as different available doses of Cabergoline tablets may only be used for a specific condition.
Do not take this medicine for any conditions other than what is prescribed by your doctor.
Cabergoline must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of scarring or thickening of tissues in the lungs, heart, or back of the abdomen and kidneys
- disorders of the heart valves
- history of mood disorders after giving birth
- uncontrolled high blood pressure
as Cabergoline may not be suitable for you.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Do not take Cabergoline with medicines used to treat mood disorders and metoclopramide (medicine for nausea or vomiting). Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe heart disease
- high blood pressure due to pregnancy
- Raynaud's disease (poor blood circulation which makes the toes and fingers numb and pale when feeling cold or stressed)
- history of serious mood disorders
- bleeding in the stomach or bowel
- peptic ulcer (open sores in the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or lower food pipe)
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while taking this medicine. You must use proven birth control methods during Cabergoline therapy and for at least 1 month after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy tests must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
- Routine tests (e.g. blood prolactin level, renal function, echocardiogram [test that checks the structure and function of the heart], chest X-ray) may be done while you are being treated with Cabergoline. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of problems in the lungs, heart, or kidneys and unusual changes in mood or behaviour may also be needed.
Cabergoline may cause you to suddenly fall asleep during your daily activities such as eating and watching television. Do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, stomach pain, constipation, hot flushes, hair loss, rash, leg cramps, tiredness and weakness.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- persistent cough, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, feeling faint
- lower back pain, abdominal tenderness, swelling of the ankles or feet
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having an aggressive behaviour)
- uncontrollable excessive eating, increased sexual drive, compulsive spending or buying, strong impulsive gambling
- hallucination (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not existent)
- weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision problems, changes in balance or coordination
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Cabergoline with the following medicines:
- medicines for mood disorders
- metoclopramide (medicine for nausea or vomiting)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin
- medicines for high blood pressure
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Cabergoline.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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