Drug Notes

Cabergoline (By mouth)

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

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Some medicines can affect how cabergoline works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
  • Bromocriptine
  • Medicine that could lower your blood pressure, such as diuretics (water pills)
  • Metoclopramide
  • Phenothiazine medicine, such as prochlorperazine or chlorpromazine
  • Thiothixene medicine

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you think you might become pregnant while you are using this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, breathing or lung problems, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
• This medicine may increase your risk for serious heart, kidney, lung, or stomach problems.
• The first few doses of cabergoline may make you lightheaded or dizzy, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position. Get up slowly. Do not drive or use machines if you are not alert.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. You may need a blood test or other tests to check for unwanted effects.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

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 your 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 trouble 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 sleepiness, drowsiness, or weakness

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

• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation, mild stomach pain, or upset stomach

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

Last Updated: 1/27/2017