cabergoline

While the human FDA-approved product label does not state that this drug has a higher risk for causing birth defects or miscarriage, pregnant or nursing women should be very careful not to accidentally take it. Wear disposable gloves when giving doses or handling the drug and avoid inhaling any dust from split or crushed tablets. Skin or eyes exposed to powder or liquids containing the drug should immediately be washed or rinsed off thoroughly, and contact your physician.

Agent to Lower Prolactin Hormone Levels

In dogs, cabergoline is used to induce estrus (heat), treatment of anestrus (no estrus), mastitis (breast inflammation), pseudopregnancy (false pregnancy), and as a treatment prior to mammary (breast) tumor surgery. This medicine is also used in both dogs and cats for pregnancy termination in the second half of pregnancy. In pet birds, it may be used for treatment of persistent egg laying. The FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration) has approved this drug for use in humans but it currently is not officially approved for use in animals in the US. It is approved for use in dogs and cats in some countries. The FDA allows veterinarians to prescribe products containing this drug in different species or for other conditions in certain situations. You and your veterinarian can discuss why this drug is the most appropriate choice.

• Store this medication in the original prescription bottle or an approved dosage reminder container (ie, pill minder) at room temperature.

• If your veterinarian or pharmacist has made (compounded) a special formulation for your animal, follow the storage recommendations and expiration date for the product.

• Keep away from children and other animals.

Use of this drug may not be allowed in certain animal competitions. Check rules and regulations before entering your animal in a competition while this medication is being administered.

Cabergoline is usually tolerated well by animal patients.

Side effects that usually are not serious include:

• Vomiting; especially if given without food.

• Changes in coat color. Dogs receiving cabergoline for more than 14 days may exhibit changes in coat color.

You don’t have to be overly concerned if you see either of these signs unless they are severe, worsen, or continue to be a problem. Contact your veterinarian if this happens.