Side Effects of Cabergoline

Cabergoline is a prescription medication that is used to treat patients who have too much of the hormone prolactin in their body. In some cases, a tumor or tumors on the pituitary gland can result in the body producing too much prolactin, but in many instances there is no explanation for high prolactin levels. Cabergoline can also be taken to stop the body's production of breast milk, but it cannot be used immediately following childbirth. Other uses for cabergoline include treatment for people with Parkinson's disease and adjusting hormone levels in women with ovarian disorders.
Cabergoline is a generic medication; it is also available as a brand-name drug called Dostinex. It is generally prescribed to be taken twice a week, so patients will need to mark their calendars or otherwise devise methods to make sure they take the medication on the correct days.

Non-Serious Side Effects

• Some patients taking cabergoline will experience side effects such as dizziness, headaches, weakness, tiredness, constipation, nausea, vomiting, heartburn and indigestion. None of these should be cause for concern, but inform your doctor if they become bothersome.

Serious Side Effects

• It is rare for people taking cabergoline to experience side effects from the medication, but some side effects may indicate that a potentially serious complication has developed that may necessitate treatment. Stop taking the medication and inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following: mental confusion; hallucinations; behavior changes, including aggression and increased sexual urges; visual disturbances; depression; mental or mood changes; fainting; chest pain; sudden unexplained weight gain; cough; irregular heartbeat; shortness of breath; and swelling of the feet or hands.

Allergic Reactions

• As with all medications, in rare cases people taking cabergoline may experience an allergic reaction to something in the medication. Signs of an allergic reaction include swelling of the mouth, tongue, throat and lips; shortness of breath; wheezing; hives; and chest tightness. An allergic reaction should be considered a medical emergency because it can cause you to go into shock and lose consciousness. Be sure to seek immediate medical attention at the first sign of an allergic reaction.

Warnings

• Cabergoline is not safe for all people. People with high blood pressure not controlled by medication or other treatment and those with fibrotic, or scarring, disorders of the kidneys, lungs, heart and abdomen should not take the medication. Additionally, people who have previously taken medications classified as ergot derivatives and had an allergic reaction should not take cabergoline because a similar reaction can occur.

Drug Interactions

• Many medications are known to cause drug interactions, and cabergoline is no exception. For example, patients taking cabergoline with macrolide antibiotics such as clarithromycin increase the chances of experiencing bothersome side effects from cabergoline. Additionally, cabergoline is known to be less effective when taken with metoclopramide, thioxanthenes, butyrophenones and phenothiazines. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about any other medications you are taking.