Do not take DOSTINEX:
- if you are hypersensitive (allergic) to cabergoline, other medicines called ergot alkaloids (medicines that stimulate serotonin - a chemical needed to transmit various nerve signals to the brain) or to any of the other ingredients of DOSTINEX listed in section 6
- if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- if you have high blood pressure during pregnancy or after giving birth
- if you have had fibrotic reactions (scar tissue) affecting your abdomen, heart or lungs
- if you have problems with your liver
- if you will be treated for DOSTINEX for a long time and have stiff and inflamed heart valves (cardiac valvulopathy)
Warnings and precautions
Take special care with DOSTINEX:
- If you suffer from disease that involves the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular disease)
- If you have Raynaud’s syndrome (extremely cold hands and feet)
- If you suffer from kidney disease
- If you have a peptic ulcer (stomach ulcer) or if you are bleeding from the stomach and intestines (symptoms may include bleeding, black or tar-like stools or being sick and bringing up blood or ‘coffee-coloured granules’)
- If you have a history of serious mental disease, particularly psychotic disorders
- If you suffer from postural hypotension (low blood pressure upon standing up quickly) or you are taking any medicines to lower blood pressure
- If you suffer from a build-up of fluid around the lungs, scar tissue affecting the lungs and have stiff and inflamed heart valves
- If you are treated with DOSTINEX for a long time, your doctor will check before starting treatment whether your heart, lungs and kidneys are in good condition. They will also have an echocardiogram (an ultrasound test of the heart) taken before treatment is started and at regular intervals during treatment. If fibrotic reactions occur treatment will have to be discontinued
- During treatment attention should be paid to signs of lung diseases such as breathing problems, cough and chest pain, kidney problems, lower abdominal pain and heart failure
- If you suffer from Parkinson’s disease as DOSTINEX can result in episodes of feeling sleepy
Since high levels of prolactin in the blood can be linked to pituitary tumours; it is recommended that women have their pituitary gland tested before taking DOSTINEX.
If you have just given birth, you may be more at risk of certain conditions. These may include high blood pressure, heart attack, convulsion, stroke or mental health problems. Therefore, your doctor will need to check your blood pressure regularly during the treatment. Speak immediately to your doctor if you experience high blood pressure, chest pain or unusually severe or persistent headache (with or without vision problems).
Tell your doctor if you or your family/carer notices that you are developing urges or cravings to behave in ways unusual to you and you cannot resist. These can include behaviours such as addictive gambling, abnormally high sex drive or an increase in sexual thoughts or feelings. Your doctor may lower your dose or stop treatment after which normal behaviour can be expected.
Other medicines and DOSTINEX
Always tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicine. (This includes all complementary or traditional medicines.)
Other medicines may affect the way in which DOSTINEX works. You should therefore inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- other ergot alkaloids (medicines that stimulate serotonin - a chemical needed to transmit various nerve signals to the brain
- medicines that reduce the effectiveness of DOSTINEX such as phenothiazines, butyrophenones, thioxanthenes (used to treat mental illness) and metoclopramide (used to treat nausea and vomiting)
- macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin (antibiotic – used to treat bacterial infections) as they can increase the amount of DOSTINEX in your blood and so could increase side effects
DOSTINEX with food and drink
DOSTINEX should be taken during meals.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other health care provider for advice before taking this medicine.
DOSTINEX should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding your baby. A barrier method of contraception should be used during treatment and for at least one month once you have stopped taking DOSTINEX. If you become pregnant during treatment with DOSTINEX, stop taking DOSTINEX and inform your doctor who will then monitor your pregnancy.
As DOSTINEX will stop you producing milk for your baby, you should not take this medicine if you plan to breastfeed your baby. If you need to take DOSTINEX you should use another method of feeding your baby.
Driving and using machines
DOSTINEX can cause drowsiness and sudden sleepy episodes. You are advised not to drive or operate machines or engage in activities requiring mental alertness or coordination during treatment with DOSTINEX as you may put yourself or others at risk of an injury. Your doctor will decide if you can continue treatment on DOSTINEX if this occurs.
Please be cautious when you are driving or operating machinery during the first days of being treated with DOSTINEX.
It is not always possible to predict to what extent DOSTINEX may interfere with daily activities of a patient. Patients should ensure that they do not engage in the above activities until they are aware of the measure to which DOSTINEX affects them.
DOSTINEX contains lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine. It may have an effect on the control of your blood sugar if you have diabetes mellitus.
