Cabergoline: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Cabergoline is an ergot-derived dopamine agonist used to treat high prolactin levels in adults, a condition called hyperprolactinaemia. It is used when the cause is unknown or when the raised level is linked to a growth in the pituitary gland. Cabergoline requires a prescription in the United Kingdom and is available as a generic medicine.

Cabergoline belongs to a group of medicines called dopamine agonists. These medicines act on receptors, which are sites on cells that respond to the body's chemical messenger dopamine. In the pituitary gland, activating these receptors reduces the release of prolactin into the blood.

Prolactin is a hormone involved in breast milk production. By reducing its release, cabergoline helps lower prolactin levels when they are too high.

Cabergoline treats disorders involving too much prolactin in adults. The label includes cases where the cause is unknown, described as idiopathic, and cases caused by pituitary adenomas, which are growths in the pituitary gland. Treatment aims to bring the prolactin level in the blood into the normal range.

The label advises against using cabergoline to stop normal breast milk production after childbirth because of the risk of serious adverse reactions. Its safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.

The label lists 0.5 mg oral tablets. The usual starting dose is 0.25 mg orally twice weekly. The label lists increases of 0.25 mg orally twice weekly at intervals of no less than 4 weeks, guided by blood prolactin levels.

The label lists a maximum recommended dosage of 1 mg orally twice weekly. Treatment is adjusted to achieve normal prolactin levels rather than following a fixed increase for every patient. The label allows administration with or without food.

Before treatment begins, the label requires an assessment for heart valve disease, including an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart. Cabergoline must not be started if valve disease is found. Blood pressure checks are also required before and during treatment.

If treatment is discontinued, the label calls for periodic blood prolactin monitoring to assess whether treatment should be restarted. Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.

The label specifies storage at controlled room temperature, 20°C to 25°C. Keep the tablets in their original container to maintain quality, and keep medicines out of the sight and reach of children.

A missed dose can interrupt the prescribed treatment schedule. Check the patient leaflet or ask a pharmacist for advice on when to resume, especially if the next scheduled dose is close. Do not double a dose to make up for a missed dose.

The label generally advises avoiding cabergoline during pregnancy and after childbirth. If conception occurs during treatment, a doctor should assess whether the risks to the mother or baby outweigh the benefits and whether treatment should stop. Published reports have not shown a clear link with major birth defects or miscarriage, but cannot establish an absence of risk.

Risks increase with pregnancy-related high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia or eclampsia. Cabergoline is not recommended after childbirth for women who are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, or to stop normal milk production.