what is dostinex used for

Dostinex is a synthetic ergoline with a high affinity to dopamine D2 receptors, a strong prolonged activity inhibitor of prolactin secretion. Prolactin is a hormone that is released from the hypophysis. This medication is used to treat hormonal imbalance with much prolactin in the blood (hyperprolactinemia) to reduce or prevent breast milk production, except after childbirth (postpartum). When used to prevent the onset of normal lactationthe dose is 1 mg of cabergoline given as a single dose on the first day after having a baby.

It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from cabergolinea decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drugtaking into account the importance of the drug to the motherUse of DOSTINEX for the inhibition or suppression of physiologic lactation is not recommendedsee PRECAUTIONS section

Before having surgerytell your doctor or dentist about all the products you useincluding prescription drugsnonprescription drugsand herbal products

Pfizer Australia has written to pharmacists providing further information about this issueincluding details of the process for this recall for product correction.

How does this medication work?

Dostinex belongs to a class of medications known as prolactin inhibitors. Prolactin inhibitors such as cabergoline are used to treat different types of medical problems that occur when too much prolactin, a hormone, is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. An excess production of prolactin can result in menstrual problems in women and fertility problems in men and women.

Dostinex stops the brain from making and releasing prolactin from the pituitary gland. Dostinex is also used to prevent the onset of normal lactation (milk production) in cases where there is a medical need to prevent lactation.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Who should NOT take this medication?

• Do not take cabergoline if you:
• are allergic to cabergoline or any ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to ergot derivatives (e.g., ergotamine)
• have a history of lung or heart fibrotic disorders
• have altered heart valves (e.g., valve restriction)
• have high blood pressure that is not controlled

Cabergoline Interactions

• Antihistamines
• Ergot medications such as Cafergot and Ergomar (ergotamine), D.H.E. 45 and Migranal (dihydroergotamine), or Methergine (methylergonovine)
• Haldol (haloperidol)
• Medications for high blood pressure, mental illness, or nausea
• Navane (thiothixene)
• Parcopa, Sinemet, and Stalevo (levodopa)
• Reglan (metoclopramide)
• Dostinex and Other Interactions
• Dostinex may cause dizziness or drowsiness.

Don’t drive or perform activities that require alertness until you know how this medicine affects you.

cabergoline dosage

• Dostinex comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It’s typically taken with or without food twice a week.
• Your doctor will most likely start you on a low dose of the drug and gradually increase it.
• Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully when taking this medicine.
• Don’t take more or less Dostinex than is recommended.
• Don’t stop taking this medicine without first talking to your doctor.
• Dostinex is usually stopped when prolactin levels are normal for six months, but your doctor will probably take you off the drug gradually.

Cabergoline Overdose

• Symptoms of a cabergoline overdose may include:
• Fainting
• Hallucinations
• Nasal congestion
• If you suspect an overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Missed Dose of Cabergoline

• If you miss a dose of Dostinex, take it as soon as you remember.
• But call your doctor for instructions if you’ve missed a dose and it’s almost time for the next one.
• Don’t take an extra dose of Dostinex unless directed by your doctor to do so.

What are the side effects of Dostinex?

cabergoline side effects

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, gas, indigestion, constipation;
• headache, depressed mood;
• dizziness, spinning sensation;
• drowsiness, nervousness;
• hot flashes;
• numbness or tingly feeling; or.
• dry mouth.
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• stomach upset or pain,
• indigestion,
• constipation,
• gas,
• dizziness,
• spinning sensation,
• lightheadedness,
• drowsiness,
• nervousness,
• tiredness,
• headache,
• depressed mood,
• hot flashes,
• numbness or tingly feeling, or
• dry mouth.

Tell your doctor if you experience rare but serious side effects of Dostinex including:

• shortness of breath,
• persistent cough,
• swelling ankles or feet,
• unusual tiredness,
• mental/mood changes (such as nervousness),
• unusual strong urges (such as increased gambling, increased sexual urges),
• vision changes,
• painful menses, or
• breast pain.

Do you need a prescription for Dostinex?

Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason. Dostinex is available only with a doctor’s prescription. Before starting treatment with Dostinex, your doctor will need to do some tests to detect any underlying heart, lung or kidney disease.

Is Cabergoline the same as Dostinex?

Dostinex tablets contain the active ingredient cabergoline, which is a type of medicine called a dopamine agonist. Dostinex is mainly used to treat disorders that result from high levels of the hormone prolactin in the blood. Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain.

Does Cabergoline make you fertile?

Dopamine agonists are fertility drugs that can help you to conceive if you are experiencing problems with ovulation. Cabergoline and bromocriptine are most commonly used for this purpose. These tumours can reduce the levels of dopamine in your brain. Dopamine helps to control prolactin production.