Bromocriptine
Precautions
Before taking bromocriptine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other ergot medications (such as ergotamine, pergolide); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain genetic enzyme problems (galactose intolerance, lactase deficiency, glucose-galactose malabsorption), high or low blood pressure, liver disease, heart problems (such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, irregular heartbeat), mental/mood disorders (such as psychosis, depression, schizophrenia), stomach/intestinal problems (such as bleeding, ulcer), blood flow problems (such as peripheral vascular disease, Raynaud's disease), recent pregnancy (especially with high blood pressure).
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). See also Side Effects section.
Bromocriptine can reduce blood flow in the fingers and toes, especially during exposure to cold, increasing the risk of damage (such as frostbite). Keep hands and feet warm during cold weather.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. This medication can cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication should not be used in women who have recently given birth due to risk of serious side effects.
Since this medication may restore fertility in women with high prolactin or growth hormone levels, women who do not want to become pregnant should discuss with their doctor the use of non-hormonal birth control methods (such as condoms, diaphragm) while taking this medication. A pregnancy test is recommended at least once every 4 weeks before your period starts again. If you start having your periods regularly, then a pregnancy test is recommended every time you miss your period. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
This drug may affect breast milk production. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, tiredness, constipation, or headache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Some people taking bromocriptine have fallen asleep suddenly during their usual daily activities (such as talking on the phone, driving). In some cases, sleep occurred without any feelings of drowsiness beforehand. This sleep effect may occur anytime during treatment with bromocriptine even if you have used this medication for a long time. If you experience increased sleepiness or fall asleep during the day, do not drive or take part in other possibly dangerous activities until you have discussed this effect with your doctor. Your risk of this sleep effect is increased by using alcohol or other medications that can make you drowsy. See also Precautions section.
This medication may increase or decrease your blood pressure. Monitor your blood pressure as directed by your doctor. A decrease in blood pressure usually occurs when you are first starting the medication, when your dose is increased, or when you get up suddenly. This effect can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: runny nose that doesn't go away, back pain, swelling of the legs/ankles/feet, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), severe stomach/abdominal pain, black/bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, cold or slightly blue fingers/toes, tingling/numbness of hands/feet, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, agitation, hallucinations), unusual strong urges (such as increased gambling, increased sexual urges), slow/fast/irregular heartbeat.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: headache that is severe or doesn't go away, seizure, trouble speaking, weakness on one side of the body, vision changes (such as decreased/blurred vision), chest/jaw/left arm pain, trouble breathing.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
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