Cabergoline (By mouth)

Cabergoline (ka-BER-goe-leen)

Lowers high levels of prolactin (a hormone) in your blood.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how cabergoline works. Tell your doctor if you are using metoclopramide, butyrophenone medicine, phenothiazine medicine, or thioxanthene medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor will ask you to do tests if you think you are pregnant.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, lung or breathing problems, heart disease, or low blood pressure.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Heart valve problems and fibrosis (scarring) in the heart, chest, lungs, or stomach area
  • Low blood pressure
  • Unusual changes in behavior (including gambling urges, binge or compulsive eating, compulsive shopping, or sexual urges)
• The first few doses of cabergoline may make you lightheaded or dizzy, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position. Get up slowly. Do not drive or use machines if you are not alert.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blood in your urine, lower back pain, side pain, or sharp back pain just below the ribs
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Chest pain or tightness, cough, trouble breathing
• Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Severe stomach pain or tenderness
• Swelling in your face, hands, ankles, lower legs, or feet
• Unusual changes in behavior
• Unusual sleepiness, drowsiness, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 8/4/2025