Caberlin 0.5mg

WHAT IS THIS MEDICATION FOR?

Caberlin 0.5mg is used to treat hyperprolactinemia (high levels of prolactin, a natural substance that helps breast-feeding women produce milk but can cause symptoms such as infertility, sexual problems, and bone loss in women who are not breast-feeding or men).

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Cabergoline is in a class of medications called dopamine receptor agonists. It works by decreasing the amount of prolactin in the body.

HOW TO USE?

Cabergoline comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food two times a week. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take cabergoline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of cabergoline and gradually increase your dose, not more often than once every 4 weeks. Do not stop taking cabergoline without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Nausea, Vomiting, Heartburn, Constipation, Tiredness, Dizziness, Breast pain, Painful menstrual periods, Burning, Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, legs, or feet. Shortness of breath, Difficulty breathing when lying down, Cough, Chest pain, Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs, Decrease in urination, Pain in the back, side, or groin, Lumps or pain in the stomach area, Abnormal vision.

WHAT TO DO IF I MISS A DOSE?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

PRECAUTIONS:

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cabergoline, ergot medications such as bromocriptine (Parlodel); dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), ergoloid mesylates (Hydergine), ergotamine (in Cafergot, in Ergomar), methylergonovine (Methergine), methysergide (Sansert), and pergolide (Permax); any other medications, or any of the ingredients in cabergoline tablets. Be sure to mention any of the following: antihistamines; ergot medications such as dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), ergotamine (in Cafergot, in Ergomar), and methylergonovine (Methergine); haloperidol (Haldol); levodopa (in Parcopa, Sinemet, and Stalevo); medications for high blood pressure, mental illness, or nausea; metoclopramide (Reglan); or thiothixene (Navane). Tell your doctor if you use or have ever used street drugs and if you have or have ever had high blood pressure or any condition that causes thickening or scarring in your lungs, heart, or abdomen. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart valve disease. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking cabergoline, call your doctor. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. You should know that some people treated with cabergoline have developed gambling problems or other intense urges or behaviors that were compulsive or unusual for them, such as increased sexual urges or behaviors.

FOOD RESTRICTIONS:

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

HOW TO STORE:

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

THERAPEUTIC CLASSIFICATION:

Other Drugs Affecting Hormonal Regulation.