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Pergolide

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Pergolide may cause dizziness during the first few days of treatment, especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position. Getting up slowly will help.
In rare cases some patients taking pergolide have experienced a sudden onset of sleep with little or no warning of tiredness. If you experience this you should avoid driving, operating machinery or other tasks where you need to be fully alert, and see your doctor as soon as possible.
Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.

About pergolide

Type of medicine	Dopamine receptor stimulant
Used for	Parkinson's disease
Also called	Celance®
Available as	Tablets

Pergolide is used to treat Parkinson's disease. The cause of Parkinson's disease is still unknown, but it results in there being less of a chemical in the brain called dopamine. This lack of dopamine causes the symptoms of Parkinsonism such as shaking, stiffness and loss of muscle control. Pergolide encourages the release of dopamine, relieving these symptoms. It may be used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat Parkinson's disease.

Before taking pergolide

Before taking pergolide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you suffer from heart or heart valve problems.
If you have ever had fibrosis (a condition which reduces the elasticity of the lungs).
If you have ever suffered from confusion or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real).
If you suffer from dyskinesia (involuntary movements of the face or body).
If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder).
If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine, another medicine related to ergot (such as bromocriptine or cabergoline), or any other medicine.

How to take pergolide

Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If you are taking pergolide for the first time, your treatment will be started gradually. Read the directions from your doctor carefully.
Try to take pergolide at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. Swallow your dose with a small glass of water.
If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored. You will require a heart echocardiogram (ECG) at regular intervals during treatment with pergolide.
Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first. Your dose will need to be reduced gradually.
If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with pergolide.

Can pergolide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine	What can I do if I experience this
Drowsiness, sleepiness	Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery, or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Dizziness, especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position	Getting up slowly should help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing
Feeling or being sick	Eat little and often, and stick to simple foods such as dry toast. Drink plenty of liquid to replace lost fuids
Indigestion, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, runny nose, hearing or seeing things that aren't real, confusion, movement disorders and double-vision	If troublesome, speak with your doctor

Important: If you develop breathing difficulties, breathlessness, a persistent cough, chest pain, abdominal pain or tenderness, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Important: Speak to your doctor if you notice any changes in your behaviour such as an increased desire to gamble or an increased sex drive.

Important: If you experience falling asleep suddenly, avoid driving and see your doctor as soon as possible.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store pergolide

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Manufacturer's PIL, Celance ®, Eli Lilly & Company Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Updated September 2007, accessed 17 March 2008.

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID: 3554

DocRef: dils2976

Last Reviewed: 3 Jun 2008

Version: 23

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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