Dostinex (Cabergoline)

Do’s

• The dosage of Dostinex is based on your medical condition and response to treatment, particularly in relation to prolactin levels. Your healthcare provider will start you at a low dose and slowly increase it over several months to help decrease side effects.
• Take this medication by mouth with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider, usually twice a week.
• Take the medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark the days on the calendar when you need to take the medication
• Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are important to monitor your response to the medication and adjust the dosage if necessary.
• Inform your healthcare provider if your condition lasts or gets worse while taking the medication

Don’ts

• Dostinex dose should not be increased more often than every 4 weeks, and the eventual dose will depend on the results of lab tests that measure the amount of prolactin in your blood.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
• Constipation
• Feeling weak or tired
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness

Serious Side Effects:

• Shortness of breath, even while lying down
• Chest pain, dry cough, or hack
• Light-headed feeling, like you might pass out
• Pain in your side or lower back
• Little or no urination
• Swelling in your ankles or feet
• Increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges

Not all individuals may experience these side effects, and some side effects may require medical attention. If you experience any of the serious side effects mentioned, seek medical attention promptly.

Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while using Dostinex. The potential risks and benefits should be carefully evaluated in such cases.

Breastfeeding while using Dostinex is not recommended, and a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Cases of valvular and pericardial fibrosis have been reported in association with Dostinex, often manifesting as cardiac failure. Therefore, regular assessment of cardiac status and echocardiography should be considered for patients receiving long-term treatment with Dostinex.

Women seeking pregnancy should be advised to conceive at least one month after discontinuing Dostinex. Additionally, women not seeking pregnancy should use mechanical contraception during treatment and after Dostinex withdrawal, until recurrence of ovulation.

Reports of hypersexuality, increased libido, pathological gambling, alopecia, aggression, and psychotic disorder have been associated with Dostinex. Patients should be monitored for such effects, especially those with prior adverse reactions to dopamine agonist products.

The information provided is not exhaustive, and individual responses to the medication may vary. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized information and guidance regarding the use of Dostinex.