Active Drug Information

Cabergoline is the active drug present in Cabanex, which belongs to a class of drugs called dopamine receptor agonists. The empirical formula of cabergoline is C26H37N5O2 and its molecular weight is 451.62. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this drug for hyperprolactinemia in 1993. Cabergoline is available in white powder that is soluble in chloroform and ethyl alcohol, and slightly soluble in hydrochloric acid. It is insoluble in water.

Mechanism of Action

Cabanex (Cabergoline) is an ergot drug that works by inhibiting or blocking the secretion of prolactin, a hormone that is secreted from the pituitary gland. Simply put, it works by reducing the secretion of prolactin in both men and women. The production of prolactin by the pituitary gland is through dopamine release under hypothalamic inhibitory control. Cabanex is one of the dopamine receptor inhibitor, exerting direct inhibitory effects on the production of prolactin by the pituitary gland. The drug reduces serum prolactin levels.

Dosing Instructions

• Cabanex dosage is based on severity and degree of medical condition, prolactin levels, and drug response to treatment.
• Your prescribing doctor would advise you to take a lower dose and then maneuver your dose after a few months. So, follow all instructions carefully.
• Typically, the recommended dosage is 0.25 mg twice a week, which is increased to 1 mg twice a week after taking your prolactin levels into consideration.
• You must take Cabanex orally with or without food, twice a week, or as recommended by your doctor.
• Please note that medicine should be used regularly in order to get the most out of it.
• To remember your dosage schedule, you can mark the days when you need to take this medicine.

Storage and Disposal

• You must keep this medication out of reach of children and teenagers. Store Cabanex pills at room temperature, preferably away from sunlight, heat and moisture.
• Make sure you discard unneeded medications or pills that are no longer in use in a careful manner to ensure nobody consumes them.
• You should not flush Cabanex pills down the toilet. Rather, you should dispose of unwanted or outdated medication through a “medicine take-back program.” Check with pharmacist for more information.
• To prevent young children and teens from taking this medicine, always keep the medicine in a secure location.

Precautions and Warnings

• Before undergoing treatment with Cabanex, make sure you inform your doctor if you have any drug allergy, including ergotamine or cabergoline.
• Prior to using this medication, inform your doctor about your medical history, such as liver dysfunction, hypertension, heart disease, or lung disease.
• More importantly, tell your doctor if you are taking any prescription or OTC drugs, multivitamins, supplements, or herbal products.
• Cabanex may make you a bit dizzy or drowsy. So do not consume alcohol or marijuana; do not drive or use machinery while you are taking this medicine.
• To prevent the risk of headaches and dizziness, you must get up slowly from a sitting/lying position during treatment.
• During pregnancy and breast-feeding, this medicine should be used only if it is clearly indicated.

Drug Interactions

• Opioid medications
• Sleeping pills
• Muscle relaxants
• Medications for anxiety or seizures
• Metoclopramide
• Medications for mood disorders
• Medications for schizophrenia

Contraindications

Cabanex tablets are contraindicated in patients who have following issues:

• Uncontrolled hypertension
• History of heart valvular disorders
• History of pulmonary fibrosis
• Pericardial or retroperitoneal fibrotic disorders
• Allergic to cabergoline

Common Side Effects

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Feeling weak
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness

Please note that this is not a complete list of adverse effects of Cabanex. One may experience other side effects as well. Get medical attention in case of any unpleasant side effects after taking this medicine.