Drug Name

Dostinex (Cabergoline)

Drug Uses

Dostinex is used for treating disorders associated with high prolactin levels: persistent breast milk production, lack of a menstrual period, infertility, and other conditions.

How to use

Use Dostinex as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Dostinex by mouth with or without food.
• It may be helpful to mark on a calendar which days you are supposed to take Dostinex.
• If you miss a dose of Dostinex , contact your doctor right away.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Dostinex is a dopamine receptor agonist. It works by blocking prolactin secretion from the pituitary gland.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Dostinex, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Dostinex at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Dostinex out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Dostinex if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Dostinex or to ergot derivatives (e.g., ergotamine);
• you have uncontrolled high blood pressure;
• you are taking a butyrophenone (e.g., haloperidol), metoclopramide, a phenothiazine (e.g., chlorpromazine), or a thioxanthene (e.g., thiothixene).

• Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• If you suspect that you may be pregnant, contact your doctor so that a pregnancy test can be arranged.
• Dostinex should be used with extreme caution in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Dostinex while you are pregnant. It is not known if Dostinex is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Dostinex .

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• constipation; dizziness; headache; indigestion; nausea; tiredness or weakness; vomiting.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); behavior changes (eg, aggression); chest pain; confusion; cough; depression; fainting; hallucinations; irregular heartbeat; mood or mental changes; shortness of breath; swelling of hands or feet; vision disturbances.

More Information

Dostinex is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.