Cabergoline (Dostinex): Uses & Side Effects

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Cabergoline is a medication that treats high levels of prolactin in your blood. Prolactin is a hormone that’s responsible for lactation, certain breast tissue development and milk production. High prolactin can cause irregular periods, infertility or erectile dysfunction. The brand name of this medication is Dostinex®.

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CABERGOLINE (ca BER goe leen) treats high prolactin levels in your body. Prolactin is a hormone that helps regulate the menstrual cycle, lactation, and fertility. Too much prolactin may cause infertility, changes in sex drive or performance, and bone loss. This medication works by decreasing levels of prolactin in your body.

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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Dostinex

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Fibrotic conditions
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to cabergoline, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

• Droperidol
• Ergot alkaloids, such as dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
• Haloperidol
• Medications for blood pressure
• Metoclopramide
• Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, promethazine

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This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgement. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

There have been reports of increased sexual urges or other strong urges, such as gambling while taking this medication. If you experience any of these while taking this medication, you should report this to your care team as soon as possible.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Dry cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Heart valve disease—shortness of breath, chest pain, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, fever, sudden weight gain, fast or irregular heartbeat
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Urges to engage in impulsive behaviors such as gambling, binge eating, sexual activity, or shopping in ways that are unusual for you

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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