A B O U T Y O U R M E D I C I N E
CABERGOLINE
| How does it work? |
| How do I take it? |
| What side effects can be expected? |
| Other medicines or substances which might interfere with your treatment |
| Storing your medicine |
This medicine is also supplied under the trade name Dostinexâ and is available as:
Tablets containing Cabergoline 0.5 mg (500 microgram).
Another product called CabasarÒ also contains Cabergoline is not normally used for this condition.
Cabergoline acts on the pituitary to block the production and release of the hormone prolactin which is over-produced when a prolactinoma is present in the gland. Prolactin in the circulation is reduced to near normal levels and there may be shrinkage of the tumour itself. Treatment is therefore associated with control of symptoms and restoration of fertility where previously affected by the condition.
Treatment is usually started at low dosage then increased gradually until the required regular (maintenance) dose has been reached. This reduces the likelihood of early side effects. The maintenance dose varies from patient to patient and depends up what is required to control your symptoms. Since Cabergoline is very long acting, it usually requires to be taken on only two days of the week in a total dose of 1 mg (occasionally up to 2 mg) per week.
This medicine should be taken with food to coincide with the main meal of the day. See under Side effects (below)
What side effects can be expected?
Nausea
Nausea (but not necessarily vomiting) is a common problem at the outset so that it is advisable to slowly increase your dose of Cabergoline until the required maintenance dose has been reached. It is for this reason twice weekly rather than once weekly dosing is used. The following schedule is provided for your guidance.
Further dose increases (if required) can be managed using the above strategy.
Effects on blood pressure/dizziness
Sudden falls in blood pressure may occur in the first few days of treatment causing dizziness especially when changing from the lying to the sitting or the sitting to the standing position. You should therefore sit up or stand up carefully to prevent dizzy turns and the risk of falling until you have become "used" to your medicine. This problem is unlikely to persist but may be more troublesome if you also take alcohol.
Other side effects
Headaches, abdominal discomfort, nasal congestion, constipation (and even diarrhoea) are occasionally reported by patients who take Cabergoline.
Other side effects are uncommon at the dose used for the treatment of prolactinoma. Doses of Cabergoline taken for months or years have however been associated with disturbances of mood and behaviour and treatment may not be appropriate for patients who suffer from mood or behavioural disorders.
If side effects persist or you feel unable to cope - contact your doctor. Do not stop taking your medicine. It may be possible for your doctor to overcome any problems by prescribing treatment at a lower dosage.
Other medicines or substances which might interfere with your treatment
Alcohol – the fact that side effects can be more troublesome if alcohol is also taken with your medicine has already been mentioned under "What side effects can be expected".
Cough/cold remedies – some constituents of these medicines (which are bought at the Chemist) may cause the blood pressure to rise too sharply and should be avoided. The constituents in question are: ephedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine and xylometazoline. If in doubt – check with your Pharmacist before purchasing cough or cold remedies.
Cabergoline tablets should be stored at room temperature. Keep in the original
container in which they have been dispensed and protect from direct sunlight.
Ó NHS Tayside; 2006; version 1.0
Disclaimer; no liability whatsoever is accepted for information given and all such information, especially with regard to drug usage (UK version provided), must be checked with a person’s health provider.