Cabergoline

About cabergoline

Cabergoline can be 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. Cabergoline encourages the release of dopamine, relieving these symptoms. It may be used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat Parkinson's disease.

Cabergoline can also prevent the production of a chemical called prolactin. Prolactin is involved in many processes within the body, such as milk production after childbirth, and it affects the levels of the hormones involved with controlling the menstrual cycle and fertility. Cabergoline is therefore helpful in preventing or reducing milk production for medical reasons, treating some types of infertility, breast problems and menstrual problems.

Before taking cabergoline

Before taking cabergoline make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from heart, liver or lung problems.
• If you suffer from hypotension (low blood pressure).
• If you suffer from Raynaud's syndrome (a circulation disorder of the hands and feet), porphyria (a blood disorder) or a stomach ulcer.
• If you have ever suffered from a psychotic mental disorder.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take cabergoline

• Take cabergoline exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take cabergoline with or immediately after food.
• If you forget to take your dose at the normal time do not worry, take it as soon as you remember.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of cabergoline contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Where possible take the container with you, even if it is empty.
• Cabergoline is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Do not take cabergoline if you are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, stop taking this medicine and see your doctor as soon as possible. It is also important not to become pregnant within one month of stopping treatment with cabergoline.
• Cabergoline 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 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. You should see your doctor as soon as possible.
• It is best not to drink alcohol whilst taking cabergoline - it will increase the feelings of drowsiness and dizziness that cabergoline may cause. If you do drink alcohol, do so only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you. This is particularly important during the first few days of taking cabergoline.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored. Tell your doctor if you develop a persistent cough, chest pain or abdominal tenderness.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside cabergoline.

Can cabergoline 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.

Other side effects may include: constipation, nasal stuffiness, tiredness, dry mouth, leg cramps, indigestion, stomach pain, breast pain, chest pain, nose bleeds, a racing heart beat, partial loss of sight, swollen ankles and feet, hot flushes, mood changes, 'pins and needles', and with higher doses of cabergoline, confusion, uncontrollable movements of the body, and seeing or hearing things that aren't real.

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 behaviour such as a desire to gamble or an increased sex drive.

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

How to store cabergoline

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Keep these tablets in their original container - it is specially designed to protect them.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines.Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

Important information about all medicines

References

• British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Dostinex® Tablets, Pharmacia Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised November 2007, accessed 18 December 2007.