Cabergoline is used to treat a hormone imbalance in which there is too much prolactin in the blood (also called hyperprolactinemia).

Cabergoline may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use cabergoline if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, a heart valve disorder, or a condition called fibrosis (growth of excess tissue in or around internal organs). You should not use cabergoline if you are allergic to any type of ergot medicine.

Your doctor will perform tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using cabergoline.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Cabergoline is usually taken twice each week for at least 6 months. Do not take this medicine every day unless your doctor tells you to.

Your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis to measure your prolactin levels.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Usual Adult Dose for Hyperprolactinemia:

Initial dose: 0.25 mg orally twice a week
-Increase dose in increments of 0.25 mg twice a week no more frequently than every 4 weeks according to patient's prolactin level
Maximum dose: 1 mg twice a week

Comments:
-Patients should be maintained on the lowest dose that provides maximal response.
-After maintaining normal serum prolactin levels for 6 months, this drug may be stopped and serum prolactin levels followed to determine whether reinitiating therapy is necessary.

Use: For the treatment of hyperprolactinemic disorders, either idiopathic or due to pituitary adenomas.

You should not use cabergoline if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension);

• a heart valve disorder;

• a growth of excess tissue (fibrosis) in your lungs or around your heart or stomach; or

• an allergy to any type of ergot medicine, such as dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine, or methylergonovine.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;

• heart problems; or

• hypertension caused by pregnancy, including eclampsia and preeclampsia;

It is not known whether cabergoline will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while using cabergoline.

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include stuffy nose, hallucinations, or fainting.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Cabergoline may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• shortness of breath (even while lying down);

• chest pain, dry cough or hack;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• pain in your side or lower back;

• little or no urination; or

• swelling in your ankles or feet.

You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while taking cabergoline. Talk with your doctor if this occurs.

Common side effects of cabergoline may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;

• constipation;

• feeling weak or tired;

• headache;

• dizziness; or

• drowsiness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Using cabergoline with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially

• metoclopramide; or

• medicine to treat anxiety, mood disorders, or mental illness such as schizophrenia.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect cabergoline, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests and other tests to check your body's response to cabergoline.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.