Cabergoline Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 4, 2024.

Applies to cabergoline: oral tablet.

Common side effects of cabergoline

Some side effects of cabergoline may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
• dizziness
• excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
• full feeling
• headache
• lack or loss of strength
• passing gas

Less common

• abdominal or stomach pain
• acid or sour stomach
• anxiety
• belching
• blemishes on the skin
• breast pain
• burning, itching, or stinging of the skin
• changes in vision
• cramps
• depression
• diarrhea
• difficulty with moving
• dry mouth or toothache
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• feeling of warmth
• gas
• heartburn
• heavy bleeding
• indigestion
• itching skin
• joint pain
• muscle aches and pains
• muscle stiffness
• pimples
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• runny nose
• sensation of spinning
• shivering
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• sneezing
• sore throat
• stomach discomfort or upset
• sudden sweating
• trouble sleeping
• weight loss

Rare

• bloody nose
• difficulty in concentrating
• increased in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• increased interest in sexual intercourse

Incidence not known

• attack, assault, or force
• feeling that others are watching you or controlling your behavior
• feeling that others can hear your thoughts
• hair loss or thinning of the hair
• pathological gambling
• severe mood or mental changes
• unusual behavior

Serious side effects of cabergoline

Along with its needed effects, cabergoline may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking cabergoline:

Less common

• bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• chills
• cold sweats
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from lying or sitting position
• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• rapid weight gain
• swelling around the eyes
• tingling of the hands or feet
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• unusual weight gain or loss

Incidence not known

• chest pain or tightness
• continuing loss of appetite
• continuing or severe abdominal or stomach pain
• continuing or severe nausea and vomiting
• cough
• decreased ability to exercise
• fever
• increased frequency of urination
• loss of appetite
• lower abdominal or stomach pain
• lower back pain
• nausea
• trouble breathing
• vomiting
• weakness

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking cabergoline:

Symptoms of overdose

• fainting
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• stuffy nose

For healthcare professionals

Applies to cabergoline: oral tablet.

General

Adverse effects are generally dose related. At lower doses, the more commonly reported adverse reactions included nausea, headache, dizziness/vertigo, abdominal pain/dyspepsia/gastritis, asthenia/fatigue; at higher doses, additional events of valvulopathy, dyspnea, dyskinesia, orthostatic hypotension, hallucination, and constipation have been commonly reported.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 26%), dizziness (up to 17%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness/vertigo, dyskinesia, paresthesia, somnolence
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hyperkinesia
• Frequency not reported: Sudden sleep onset, syncope, tremor^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Fatigue, malaise^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Hallucinations sleep disturbance, increased libido, confusion, depression, anxiety, insomnia, nervousness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Delusions, psychotic disorder
• Frequency not reported: Aggression, hypersexuality, pathological gambling^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Peripheral edema
• Common (1% to 10%): Angina (with concomitant levodopa use), postural hypotension, hot flashes, cardiac valvulopathy, hypotension, dependent edema, palpitation
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Erythromelalgia
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Syncope, heart failure
• Frequency not reported: Constrictive pericarditis, digital vasospasm
• Postmarketing reports: Cardiac valvulopathy, pericarditis, pericardial effusion^[Ref]

Reports of cardiac valvulopathy have generally been received in patients on higher doses (greater than 2 mg/day); however, there have been cases in patients receiving lower doses for the treatment of hyperprolactinemic disorders. In a multi-country, retrospective cohort study, record review looking for an association between the new use of dopamine agonists (including this drug; n=27,812) and cardiac valvular regurgitation (CVR), other fibrosis, and other cardiopulmonary events found an increased risk of CVR among patients with Parkinson's disease when compared to non-ergot derived dopamine agonists and levodopa. Analysis in patients with hyperprolactinemia treated with this drug (n=8386) found that compared to non-users, exposed persons did not have an elevated risk of CVR. These findings are consistent with other published studies.^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Leg cramps^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash, acne, pruritus
• Frequency not reported: Alopecia^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspnea
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pleural effusion, pulmonary fibrosis, rhinitis
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Fibrosis (including pleural fibrosis)
• Frequency not reported: Respiratory disorder, respiratory failure, pleuritic, chest pain^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Periorbital edema, abnormal vision^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Common (1% to 10%): Breast pain
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dysmenorrhea^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 29%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Constipation, dyspepsia, gastritis, vomiting, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, dry mouth, diarrhea, flatulence, throat irritation, toothache^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hepatic function abnormalities
• Postmarketing reports: Liver function test abnormal^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity reaction^[Ref]

Further information

Cabergoline side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer