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Cabergoline

Also known as Dostinex®

Key points about cabergoline

Cabergoline is used to treat high levels of the hormone prolactin. It can also be used to reduce or stop your body making breast milk after giving birth.
Cabergoline is also called Dostinex®.
Find out how to take it safely and the possible side effects.

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Cabergoline is used to treat conditions where there is too much of the hormone prolactin, eg, if you have a benign tumour of the pituitary gland. It works on dopamine receptors to reduce the amount of prolactin being made.

Cabergoline can also be used to prevent milk being produced by people who have given birth. Lower levels of prolactin in your body reduce or stop your body making breast milk.

Cabergoline is also called Dostinex®.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, cabergoline is available as 500 microgram tablets.

The dose will be different depending on the reason you are taking cabergoline.
To reduce breast milk after birth cabergoline is usually only taken for 1 to 2 days.
For people with high prolactin levels, treatment will be for a longer time and cabergoline is usually taken once or twice a week. Depending on your response, your starting dose may be increased.
Always take your cabergoline exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much cabergoline to take, how often to take it and any special instructions.

Timing: Take cabergoline on the same day or days each week. Swallow your tablets with a glass of water (200–250 mLs).
Food: It’s best to take cabergoline with or just after food.
Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Don't take double the dose. If you are not sure what to do, ask your healthcare provider.
It's important to take it as prescribed: See tips to help you remember to take your medicines regularly.(external link)

Here are some things to know when you're taking cabergoline long term. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

Driving and machinery: This medicine may make you feel sleepy, dizzy and fall asleep suddenly with no warning. Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you. If you experience these side effects, don’t drive until these effects have stopped and talk to your doctor.
Alcohol: Avoid or limit alcohol because it can increase your risk of side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness and falling asleep without warning.
Other medicines: Cabergoline interacts with some medicines (such as erythromycin and miconazole oral gel), herbal supplements (such as St John’s wort) and rongoā Māori, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting cabergoline and before starting any new products.
Contraception: For women, cabergoline can make your regular periods return. It’s recommended to use condoms or other non-hormonal contraception during and for at least 1 month after stopping cabergoline.
Pregnancy: If you’re planning a pregnancy talk to your doctor because it’s recommended to stop taking cabergoline 1 month before trying for a baby.
Pregnant: If you become pregnant while taking cabergoline contact your doctor straight away.
Monitoring: Your healthcare provider will ask you to have regular checks and tests to make sure you’re not getting unwanted side effects. You may also need to have your blood pressure checked regularly for the first 2 days of treatment.

Like all medicines, cabergoline can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.

Side effects	What should I do?
Feeling sleepy, tired or dizzy Headache Nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting (being sick) Upset stomach Constipation	These are quite common, especially in the first week after starting cabergoline. Don’t drive or drink alcohol. Eat simple meals, avoid rich or spicy foods. Tell your doctor if these bother you.
Feeling faint when you stand up	This can happen during the first few days of treatment. Be careful when getting up from either lying down or sitting to avoid falls. You will have your blood pressure checked regularly.
Unusual behaviour or thinking, hallucinations, confusion Unusual urges such as an increased want to gamble, eat, spend money or have sex Falling asleep without warning Numb or cold hands or feet	These are not common. Tell your doctor.
Hot flushes Nose bleeds	These are rare. Tell your doctor if these bother you.
Changes in vision Fast heartbeat	These are rare. Tell your doctor immediately or ring Healthline 0800 611 116.
Signs of an allergic reaction such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, mouth and tongue or problems breathing	This is rare. Tell your doctor immediately or ring Healthline 0800 611 116.