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Quinagolide

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Important: Never take quinagolide if you are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, stop taking this medicine and see your doctor as soon as possible.
In rare cases some patients have experienced 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. See your doctor as soon as possible.
Quinagolide may cause dizziness, especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position. Getting up slowly should help.

About quinagolide

Type of medicine	Dopamine receptor stimulant
Used for	Increased prolactin secretion
Also called	Norprolac
Available as	Tablets

Quinagolide prevents the production of a chemical called prolactin. Prolactin is involved in many processes within the body, such as milk production after childbirth and altering levels of hormones involved with controlling the menstrual cycle and fertility. Quinagolide is therefore helpful in reducing prolactin levels to reduce milk production for certain medical reasons and to treat some types of infertility, breast problems and menstrual disorders.

Before taking quinagolide

Before taking quinagolide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
If you suffer from problems with your liver or kidneys
If you suffer from hypotension (low blood pressure)
If you suffer from heart problems or porphyria (a blood disorder)
If you have ever suffered from psychoses (mental illness)

How to take quinagolide

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor
Take quinagolide with or immediately after food

Getting the most from your treatment

Important: Never take quinagolide if you are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, stop taking this medicine and see your doctor as soon as possible.
In rare cases some patients have experienced 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. See your doctor as soon as possible.
Quinagolide may cause dizziness, especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position. Getting up slowly should help.

Can quinagolide 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.

Possible side-effects	What can I do if I experience this
Dizziness, tiredness, drowsiness	Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid alcohol as it will increase any feelings of drowsiness.
Nausea	Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Vomiting	Drink plenty of liquid. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Headache	Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor.
Constipation	Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6 - 8 glasses of water each day.
Diarrhoea	Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.

Other side effects may include loss of appetite, abdominal pain, difficulty sleeping, increased water retention, flushing, nasal congestion, a drop in blood pressure or changes to the way you think or feel. If you experience these, or any other worrying symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store quinagolide

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

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
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. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
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.

DocID:
1486

DocRef:
dils3767

Last Updated:
30 Apr 2007

Date of Next Review:
29 Apr 2009

Version:
22

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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