Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Dostinex (Cabergoline). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Dostinex (Cabergoline) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Dostinex (Cabergoline). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• Constipation
• dizziness
• headache
• heartburn
• hot flashes
• nausea
• tiredness
• vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• abdominal pain
• breast pain
• changes in vision
• dizziness or fainting when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fainting
• pathological gambling and increased sex drive (libido, hypersexuality)
• signs of Depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of fibrotic tissues developing (e.g., shortness of breath; swelling in the legs, ankles, and hands; persistent cough; chest pain)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Dostinex (Cabergoline).

Each white, capsule-shaped tablet, scored on one side, with "P" and "U" on either side of the break line and "700" engraved on the other side of the tablet, contains 0.5 mg of Dostinex (Cabergoline). Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose anhydrous and leucine.

Do not take Dostinex (Cabergoline) if you:

• are allergic to Dostinex (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

There may be an interaction between Dostinex (Cabergoline) and any of the following:

• alpha/beta agonists (e.g., Epinephrine, norepinephrine)
• amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine, Lisdexamfetamine)
• antipsychotics (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Clozapine, Haloperidol, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
• beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., Atenolol, Propranolol, Sotalol)
• Bromocriptine
• Buspirone
• Cyclobenzaprine
• decongestants (e.g., phenylephrine, psuedoephedrine, xylometazoline)
• Desvenlafaxine
• Dextromethorphan
• dopamine
• ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine, Dihydroergotamine)
• lithium
• medications used to control blood pressure
• macrolide antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• methylene blue
• Metoclopramide
• Midodrine
• Mirtazapine
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (M.O.S. e.g., Moclobemide, Phenelzine, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine)
• narcotic pain relievers (e.g., Codeine, Fentanyl, Morphine, Oxycodone)
• nefazodone
• Nitroglycerin
• St. John's wort
• Tapentadol
• Tramadol
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline)
• serotonin antagonists (anti-emetic medications; e.g., Granisetron, Ondansetron)
• tramadol
• Trazodone
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, Desipramine, Trimipramine)
• "triptan" migraine medications (e.g., Eletriptan, Sumatriptan)
• Tryptophan
• Venlafaxine

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Dostinex (Cabergoline). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Dostinex (Cabergoline).

Behaviour changes: Some people have reported changes in behaviour associated with taking Dostinex (Cabergoline). There have been occasional reports of aggressive behaviour or hostility, anxiousness, disorientation, or decreased memory. This may be more likely to happen if you have a history of mental illness, such as depression or psychotic episodes. If you experience any of these effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Dostinex (Cabergoline), contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Dizziness: Dostinex (Cabergoline) can cause severe dizziness, especially when rising from a sitting or lying position. This may occur more often when other medications with similar side effects are being taken. People taking medications that can cause dizziness should rise slowly from sitting or lying down to reduce the possibility of severe dizziness or fainting.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Dostinex (Cabergoline) may affect the mental or physical abilities needed to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Dostinex (Cabergoline) affects you.

Heart, lung, and kidney function: Your doctor will assess the functioning of your heart, lungs, and kidney if prolonged treatment is required as prolonged use of Dostinex (Cabergoline) can cause fibrosis or dysfunction of these organs. If you experience shortness of breath, a cough that won't go away, or chest pain, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Dostinex (Cabergoline) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Dostinex (Cabergoline) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Dostinex (Cabergoline), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Dostinex (Cabergoline).

Dostinex (Cabergoline) has been reported to cause liver failure, which can cause death. Dostinex (Cabergoline) may also cause a decrease in liver function. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Pregnancy: Dostinex (Cabergoline) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Dostinex (Cabergoline), contact your doctor immediately.

Also, Dostinex (Cabergoline) should not be used by women with high blood pressure conditions caused by pregnancy, such as eclampsia or preeclampsia, unless the benefits outweigh the risks.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Dostinex (Cabergoline) have not been established for children less than 16 years old. Dostinex (Cabergoline) should not be used by this age group unless the benefits outweigh the risks.

Seniors: Studies of Dostinex (Cabergoline) have not been carried out in seniors. Dostinex (Cabergoline) should not be used by this age group unless the benefits outweigh the risks.