Dostinex

Common Name: cabergoline

How does Dostinex work?

Cabergoline belongs to a class of medicines known as prolactin inhibitors. Prolactin inhibitors such as cabergoline are used to treat different types of medical problems that occur when too much of the hormone prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland, which is found in the brain. An excess production of prolactin can result in menstrual problems in women and fertility problems in men and women. Cabergoline stops the brain from making and releasing prolactin from the pituitary gland. Cabergoline is also used to prevent the onset of normal lactation (milk production) in cases where there is a medical need to prevent lactation. Your doctor may choose to use this medication for other conditions not listed here. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, please ask your doctor.

How should I use Dostinex?

When used to prevent the onset of normal lactation, the dose is 1 mg of cabergoline given as a single dose on the first day after having a baby. For prolactin disorders, the recommended starting dose of cabergoline for adults is 0.5 mg per week, given in one or two doses per week (for two doses, the tablet is cut in half). The dose may be increased by 0.5 mg per week until a maximum of 2 mg per week is reached. The dose should not be increased more often than every four weeks. The eventual dose of the drug will depend on the results of lab tests that measure the amount of prolactin in your blood. After the tests have been in the normal range for at least six months, the doctor may decide to stop the medication and continue to monitor the levels of prolactin in the blood. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor. It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered if it is within one or two days of when you were supposed to take it. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose but go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. Store this medication in a dry place away from heat and direct light.

What form(s) does Dostinex come in?

Cabergoline is available as white, capsule-shaped tablets containing cabergoline 0.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients include leucine and lactose. This product does not contain starch, yeast, or gluten.

What should I NOT take with Dostinex?

Cabergoline should not be used by anyone who: has high blood pressure that is not controlled is allergic to cabergoline or any of the ingredients of the tablets is allergic to ergot derivatives (e.g., ergotamine)

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Dostinex?

High blood pressure: Cabergoline can worsen high blood pressure. People who have uncontrolled high blood pressure should not use this medicine. Those with a history of high blood pressure should weigh the potential benefits against the risks of using this medicine. Liver disease: Cabergoline may worsen liver disease. The doctor may lower the dose used if necessary. The potential benefits of using cabergoline should be weighed against the risks under these circumstances. Pregnancy: Be sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant while taking this drug. The risks and benefits of treatment will need to be discussed. High blood pressure caused by pregnancy: Cabergoline should not be used in women with high blood pressure conditions caused by pregnancy, such as eclampsia or pre-eclampsia, unless the benefit is judged to outweigh the risk. Children and older adults: Studies of cabergoline have not been carried out in children or older adults. Use of the medication in these age groups should weigh potential benefits against risks.