Dostinex®

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary

The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

1. Why am I using Dostinex?

Dostinex contains the active ingredient cabergoline. Dostinex may be needed if your levels of a hormone known as prolactin are
abnormally high (hyperprolactinaemia). Dostinex can also be prescribed to prevent the production of milk in women after birth.
For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using Dostinex? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I use Dostinex?

Before starting treatment, your doctor will need to do some tests to detect any underlying heart, lung, or kidney disease. Do not
take if you have or have had any scarring or thickening of the lungs with shortness of breath; heart valve disorder; any swelling or
inflammation around the heart or lungs; or any abnormal formation of tissue outside the stomach wall.
Do not take if you have an allergy to any medicine containing cabergoline, ergot alkaloids or any of the ingredients listed. For
more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use Dostinex? In the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with cabergoline and affect how it works. A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am
taking other medicines? In the full CMI.

4. How do I use Dostinex?

To treat hyperprolactinaemia the recommended starting dose is half a tablet taken twice a week. Your doctor will generally start
you on a low dose and may gradually increase your dose.
To prevent the production of breast milk, the recommended dose is two tablets taken as a single dose, on the first day after
delivery of your baby. More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use Dostinex? In the full CMI.

5. What should I know while using Dostinex?

Things you  Follow your doctor's requests for tests and report anything unusual to your doctor such as difficulty in
should do breathing, chest pain or swelling of your hands or feet.
 Keep all of your doctor's appointments so that your progress can be checked.
 If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist that you are
taking Dostinex.
 Tell any other doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who treat you that you are taking this medicine.
 Use barrier methods of contraception to prevent pregnancy during and for at least one month after
taking Dostinex.
 Stop taking Dostinex immediately if you become pregnant and consult your doctor.
Things you  Do not use Dostinex to treat any other medical complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
should not do  Do not stop taking your medicine until your doctor tells you to, even if you are feeling better.
 Do not give Dostinex to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Driving or using  Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Dostinex affects you.
machines
Looking after  Keep Dostinex in its container until it is time to take it.
your medicine  Keep Dostinex in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using Dostinex? In the full CMI.

6. Are there any side effects?

Some common side effects include dizziness, fainting, headache, nausea or vomiting, unusual sleepiness, abdominal pain or
heartburn or pain in the stomach, constipation, nosebleed, weakness or tiredness, temporary impairment of vision, breast pain,
hot flushes, rash, or hair loss. For more serious side effects and further information, including what to do if you have any side
effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? In the full CMI.

DOSTINEX® 1
Dostinex® (doss-tee-nex)
Active ingredient(s): cabergoline (ca-ber-go-lean)

 an allergy to any medicine containing cabergoline,

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) ergot alkaloids (medicines used to treat migraine) or
This leaflet provides important information about using any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Dostinex. You should also speak to your doctor or Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may
pharmacist if you would like further information or if you include:
have any concerns or questions about using Dostinex. o shortness of breath
Where to find information in this leaflet: o wheezing or difficulty breathing
o swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or other parts of
1. Why am I using Dostinex? the body
2. What should I know before I use Dostinex? o rash, itching or hives on the skin.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Do not give this medicine to a child under the age of 16
4. How do I use Dostinex?
years.
5. What should I know while using Dostinex?
6. Are there any side effects? The safety and effectiveness in children have not been
7. Product details established.
Check with your doctor if you:
1. Why am I using Dostinex?
 have or have had any of the following medical
Dostinex contains the active ingredient cabergoline. conditions:
Dostinex may be prescribed by your doctor to reduce your o kidney, heart, or liver problems
body's level of a hormone known as prolactin. Dostinex o lung disease or problems with your breathing
may be needed if your levels of prolactin are abnormally o Raynaud's syndrome (associated with extreme
high (hyperprolactinaemia). numbness, tingling and colour changes in the
Abnormally high prolactin may cause menstrual changes in fingers due to cold)
women, impotence in men and breast changes in both o ulcer or bleeding in the stomach or intestines
sexes. o low blood pressure
Dostinex can also be prescribed to prevent the production o high blood pressure after childbirth
of milk in women after birth, if breast-feeding is to be o history of severe mental illness.
prevented for medical reasons.  take any medicines for any other condition.
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain
2. What should I know before I use side effects. It is important you understand these risks and
Dostinex? how to monitor for them. See additional information
under Section 6. Are there any side effects?
Warnings
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Before starting treatment with Dostinex, your doctor will
need to do some tests to detect any underlying heart, Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
lung, or kidney disease. pregnant.
These tests include chest x-rays, physical examinations, Your doctor will discuss with you the risks and benefits
blood tests and heart monitoring. involved.
Your doctor will repeat these tests regularly if you are It is recommended that women who plan to become
taking Dostinex for a long period of time. pregnant stop taking Dostinex at least one month before
While you are taking Dostinex report anything unusual to becoming pregnant.
your doctor such as difficulty in breathing, chest pain, Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to
swelling of your hands or feet, or anything else that is breastfeed.
making you feel unwell.
This medicine prevents the flow of breast milk.
Do not take Dostinex if you have or have had:
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
 any scarring or thickening of the lungs with shortness
of breath Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other
 heart valve disorder medicines, including any medicines, vitamins, or
 any swelling or inflammation around the heart or supplements that you buy without a prescription from
lungs your pharmacy, supermarket, or health food shop.
 any abnormal formation of tissue outside the stomach
wall.

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Some medicines may be affected by Dostinex or may Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that
affect how well it works. You may need different amounts you missed.
of your medicines, or you may need to take different This may increase the chance of you getting an unwanted
medicines. Your doctor will advise you. side effect.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or
following: pharmacist.
 Medicines used to treat mental illness e.g., If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine,
antipsychotic medicines for schizophrenia ask your pharmacist for some hints.
 medicines used to treat high blood pressure
 ergot alkaloids, medicines used to treat migraine If you take too much Dostinex
 medicines used to prevent nausea and vomiting (e.g., If you think that you have taken too much Dostinex, you
metoclopramide) may need urgent medical attention.
 medicines called macrolide antibiotics which are used
to treat bacterial infections (e.g., erythromycin). You should immediately:
 phone the Poisons Information Centre
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure
(by calling 0800 POISON or 0800 764 766), or
about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are
 contact your doctor, or
taking and if these affect Dostinex.
 go to the Emergency Department at your nearest
hospital.
4. How do I use Dostinex?
You should do this even if there are no signs of
How much to take discomfort or poisoning.
To treat high levels of prolactin (hyperprolactinaemia), the Symptoms of an overdose may include:
recommended starting dose is half a tablet taken twice a  nausea
week. Your doctor will generally start you on a low dose  vomiting
and may gradually increase your dose.  stomach pains
To prevent the production of breast milk, the  dizziness.
recommended dose is two tablets taken as a single dose,
on the first day after delivery of your baby. Have the Dostinex bottle or box or this leaflet available
to give details if needed.
Follow all instructions from your doctor and pharmacist
carefully.
5. What should I know while using
How to take it Dostinex?
Swallow Dostinex tablets with a glass of water. Things you should do
When to take Dostinex Follow your doctor's requests for tests and report
Take your medicine with food or a meal. anything unusual to your doctor such as difficulty in
breathing, chest pain or swelling of your hands or feet.
Taking it with food will lessen any side effects you may
experience. Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice an
increase in your blood pressure, or you experience severe
Take your medicine at about the same time each day. headache that is getting progressively worse (with or
Taking it at the same time each day will have the best without changes in vision); you may need medical
effect. It will also help you remember when to take it. attention.
If you are not sure of how to take Dostinex, ask your Call your doctor right away or go straight to the Emergency
doctor or pharmacist. Department at your nearest hospital if you experience
seizures, sudden chest pain that does not go away with
How long to take it
rest, or stroke symptoms (including trouble walking,
Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor speaking, and understanding, as well as numbness of the
tells you. face, arm, or leg on one side of the body).
This medicine helps to control your condition but does not Keep all of your doctor's appointments so that your
cure it. It is important to keep taking your medicine even if progress can be checked.
you feel well. It is important that your doctor carries out some regular
If you forget to take it tests if you are taking Dostinex for a long period of time to
make sure the medicine is working and to prevent
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you unwanted side effects. These tests may include chest x-
missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. rays, physical examinations, blood tests and heart
Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then go monitoring.
back to taking your medicine as you normally would.

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If you are about to be started on any new medicine, Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
remind your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking
Dostinex. If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of
date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
Tell any other doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who
treat you that you are taking this medicine.
6. Are there any side effects?
Use barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms,
to prevent pregnancy during and for at least one month All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience
after taking Dostinex. any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary.
However, some side effects may need medical attention.
Your doctor may recommend routine pregnancy tests
during long periods of treatment. See the information below and, if you need to, ask your
doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions
Stop taking Dostinex immediately if you become about side effects.
pregnant and consult your doctor.
Common side effects
Things you should not do
Common side effects What to do
Do not use Dostinex to treat any other complaints unless
your doctor tells you to.  dizziness, fainting Speak to your
 headache doctor if you
Do not stop taking your medicine until your doctor tells
you to, even if you are feeling better.  nausea or vomiting have any of
 unusual sleepiness these common
Do not give Dostinex to anyone else, even if they have  abdominal pain, or heartburn, or side effects and
the same condition as you. pain in the stomach they worry
Things to be careful of  constipation you.
 nosebleed
If you feel light-headed, dizzy, or faint when getting out  weakness or tiredness
of bed or standing up, get up slowly.  temporary impairment of vision
See your doctor if you notice changes in your behaviour  breast pain
that result in a strong desire to either gamble, shop, eat  hot flushes
or use medicines to excess, or you notice an increase in  rash
your sex drive.  hair loss.
Such compulsive behaviours have been seen with this class
of medicines, including cabergoline.
Serious side effects
Driving or using machines
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools Serious side effects What to do
until you know how Dostinex affects you.  irregular heartbeat Tell your doctor
Dostinex may cause dizziness or affect your ability to  leg cramps or pain in the fingers as soon as
respond quickly. or toes possible. You
 aggressive behaviour may require
If you feel sleepy while taking Dostinex, do not drive or
 depression, feelings of deep medical
operate machinery.
sadness attention.
Looking after your medicine  change in behaviour such as
increased sex drive, a compelling
Follow the instructions on the carton on how to take care desire to gamble, shop, eat or
of your medicine properly. take medicines
Keep Dostinex in its container until it is time to take it.  any breathing problems
If you take the tablets out of the bottle they may not keep  increase in your blood pressure
well.  a severe headache that is getting
progressively worse (with or
Keep Dostinex in a cool dry place, where the temperature
without changes in vision).
stays below 25°C.
Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or
sunlight; for example, do not store it:
 in the bathroom or near a sink, or
 in the car or on windowsills.
Keep Dostinex where young children cannot reach it.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.

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Very serious side effects Auckland
New Zealand
Very serious side effects What to do
Toll Free Number: 0800 736 363
 seizures Call your
 sudden chest pain that does not doctor straight www.pfizermedinfo.co.nz
go away with rest away or go
 stroke symptoms (including straight to the This leaflet was prepared in July 2023.
trouble walking, speaking, and Emergency
understanding, as well as Department at ® Registered Trademark
numbness of the face, arm, or your nearest © Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd 2023
leg on one side of the body) hospital if you
 chest pain with shortness of notice any of
breath these serious
 sudden signs of allergy such as side effects.
rash, itching or hives, swelling of You may need
the face, lips, tongue or other urgent medical
parts of the body, shortness of attention or
breath, wheezing or difficulty hospitalisation.
breathing.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else
that may be making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some
people.
Some of these side effects (e.g., changes in liver function)
can only be found when your doctor does tests from time
to time to check your progress.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or
pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your
medicines.

7. Product details
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.
What Dostinex contains
Active cabergoline 500 microgram per
ingredient tablet
(main
ingredient)
Other lactose
ingredients leucine
(inactive
ingredients)
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of
these ingredients.
What Dostinex looks like
Dostinex comes as capsule-shaped, flat, white tablets. One
side is marked with the letter 'P' on a side of the score and
the letter 'U' on the other. The other side of the tablet is
marked '700' with a short score on the top and bottom of
the tablet surface.
Dostinex is available in bottles of 2 and 8 tablets.
Who distributes Dostinex
Pfizer New Zealand Limited
PO Box 3998

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