What is cabergoline?
Cabergoline is in a group of drugs called dopamine receptor antagonists. It works by reducing the amount of prolactin (a hormone) that is released from the pituitary gland.
Cabergoline is used to treat a hormone imbalance in which there is too much prolactin in the blood (also called hyperprolactinemia).
Cabergoline may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about cabergoline?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to cabergoline, or if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, pregnancy-related high blood pressure, or if you are allergic to any type of ergot medicine such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray), ergonovine (Ergotrate), or methylergonovine (Methergine).
Before taking cabergoline, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver disease, heart disease, or a breathing disorder.
Cabergoline is usually taken twice each week for at least 6 months. Do not take this medication every day unless your doctor tells you to.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis to measure your prolactin levels. Your doctor may want to continue checking your prolactin levels for several months after you stop taking cabergoline. Do not miss any scheduled visits.
Tell your doctor if you are also taking metoclopramide (Reglan), blood pressure medications, diuretics, or any medication to treat a psychiatric disorder.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking cabergoline?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to cabergoline, or if you have:
uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension);
hypertension caused by pregnancy, including eclampsia and preeclampsia; or
if you are allergic to any type of ergot medicine such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray), ergonovine (Ergotrate), or methylergonovine (Methergine).
Before taking cabergoline, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
liver disease;
heart disease; or
a breathing disorder.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether cabergoline passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.