DOSTINEX (CABERGOLINE)

Dostinex Description

Dostinex is a prolactin inhibitor that may be prescribed when a prolactinoma has been detected. This is a non-cancerous tumor of your pituitary gland that produces prolactin, a hormone responsible for lactation, influencing behavior, and regulating your immune system. Too much prolactin can cause menstrual problems for women and fertility problems in men and women. In order to correct the high levels of prolactin in your blood, talk to your doctor about Dostinex or generic Cabergoline. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Dostinex Works in Your Body

Taken as directed, Dostinex works as a dopamine receptor antagonist in order to block the effects that dopamine, a neurotransmitter, has on the release of prolactin from your pituitary gland. This will help with regular monthly periods, erectile dysfunction, fertility problems, and loss of libido to name a few. Low doses of Dostinex have also been found to be effective to treat the symptoms of early-stage Parkinson’s disease.

Conditions Treated by Dostinex

Prolactin is also known as a ‘milk’ hormone and women that are breast feeding will produce more of this hormone to accommodate the baby. High levels of prolactin in men can cause breast enlargement and a milky discharge.

A larger prolactinoma may also interfere with your vision as it can press against your optic nerves and cause reduced or double-vision. You may not even notice any visual changes early on because your field of vision is affected peripherally, meaning the far left and right outside edges of your sight. Dostinex can help to reduce the tumor size to avoid vision loss if detected before any nerve damage occurs. Your physician may recommend removing the tumor surgically if your sight is in question.

Before You Take Dostinex

Ask your doctor if Dostinex is safe to take while you are pregnant, if you become pregnant during treatment, or if you are breast feeding. Explain other medical conditions or allergies you have to your doctor and list any OTC or Rx medicine you currently take or use, including herbal or vitamin supplements, so it can be determined if Dostinex is the right drug for your situation.

Important Information About Taking Dostinex

Until you know how Dostinex will affect you, you should avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing any activities that could be considered unsafe if are not alert or in control. Take care when exercising, being outdoors in hot weather, or if you have a fever because Dostinex may increase certain side effects, such as dizziness, fainting, or feeling light-headed. Call your doctor right away if you begin displaying unusual behavioral changes, including gambling or sexual urges. These changes should disappear when Dostinex is stopped.

Possible Side Effects of Dostinex

• Headache
• Constipation
• Excess air or gas in your stomach