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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking bromocriptine (Cycloset, Parlodel)?

You should not use Cycloset if:

• you are breast-feeding;
• you have migraine headaches that cause you to faint; or
• you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (Call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

You should not use Parlodel if you have:

• uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension);
• hypertension caused by pregnancy (including eclampsia and preeclampsia);
• if you are also using an ergot medicine to treat migraine headaches; or
• if you have recently had a baby and you have a history of coronary artery disease or severe heart disease.

Bromocriptine may contain lactose. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have a hereditary form of galactose intolerance, severe lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption.

To make sure you can safely take bromocriptine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• high or low blood pressure, heart disease, or a history of heart attack;
• liver or kidney disease;
• a tumor of the pituitary gland;
• a stomach ulcer or history of stomach or intestinal bleeding; or
• a history of mental illness or psychosis.

FDA pregnancy category B. Bromocriptine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. However, a pituitary tumor in the mother can expand during pregnancy. High blood pressure can also occur during pregnancy and bromocriptine could be dangerous if taken by a pregnant woman with high blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Some women take Parlodel in order to normalize menstrual periods and increase their chances of becoming pregnant. Tell your doctor as soon as you become pregnant. You may need to stop taking Parlodel. Follow your doctor's instructions.

If you are not taking Parlodel to help you get pregnant, use a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy during treatment. Your doctor may also want you to have a pregnancy test every 4 weeks during treatment.

Bromocriptine lowers the hormone needed to produce breast milk. Do not breast-feed a baby while taking bromocriptine.

How should I take bromocriptine (Cycloset, Parlodel)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Take bromocriptine with food. Parlodel is usually taken twice daily with meals. Cycloset is usually taken each morning with food, within 2 hours after you wake up.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested often. Your heart, blood pressure, vision, kidney function, or liver function may also need to be checked. Visit your doctor regularly.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

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