Description:

Dostinex 0.5mg Tablet (cabergoline by Pfizer) is a potent, long-acting dopamine receptor agonist used to treat hyperprolactinemia (elevated prolactin levels). It inhibits prolactin secretion from the pituitary gland, reducing symptoms such as irregular or absent menstrual periods (amenorrhea), infertility, galactorrhea (inappropriate milk production), and sexual dysfunction in both men and women. It is also used off-label for Parkinson’s disease (as adjunct therapy) and to suppress lactation after childbirth or abortion. In Ghana (Accra), Dostinex 0.5mg is a prescription medication available in pharmacies (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy, Beybee Pharmacy) for hyperprolactinemia, prolactinoma, or related endocrine disorders.

Prescription:

Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; dispensed by pharmacies with Rx, typically from an endocrinologist, gynecologist, or neurologist due to need for prolactin level monitoring, tumor evaluation, and side effect management; not OTC).

Therapeutic Category:

Dopamine Receptor Agonist / Prolactin Inhibitor (Long-acting ergot-derived dopamine agonist.

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Cabergoline – 0.5 mg per tablet. Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Lactose monohydrate, leucine, magnesium stearate, and film-coating agents (e.g., hypromellose, titanium dioxide). Tablets are white, capsule-shaped, scored, and imprinted with “P” and “U” on one side and “0.5” on the other (Pfizer branding).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Dostinex 0.5mg Tablets (standard 0.5mg strength; common pack sizes 8 tablets). Related variants: Cabergoline generics 0.5mg (various brands), lower-dose 0.25mg tablets (for titration), or other ergot dopamine agonists (e.g., bromocriptine). The 0.5mg tablet is the most common dose for hyperprolactinemia.

Consume Type:

Oral – Tablet (swallow whole with water; preferably with food to reduce nausea).

Directions/Usage: Take exactly as prescribed (start low and titrate slowly).

• Hyperprolactinemia: Starting dose typically 0.25 mg twice weekly (e.g., Monday and Thursday); increase by 0.25 mg twice weekly every 4 weeks based on prolactin levels (usual maintenance 0.5–2 mg/week, divided 1–2 times weekly).
• Maximum weekly dose: Usually 3 mg (rarely higher).
• Take with food to minimize nausea.
• Monitor prolactin levels monthly initially, then every 3–6 months.
• Do not stop suddenly without doctor advice (risk of rebound hyperprolactinemia).

Common Side Effects: Common (often dose-dependent):

• Nausea (most frequent early on)
• Headache
• Dizziness / light-headedness (orthostatic hypotension)
• Fatigue / drowsiness
• Nasal congestion
• Constipation Other: Abdominal pain, dyspepsia, vomiting. Rare/serious (seek help): Fibrotic reactions (cardiac valvulopathy, pulmonary/retroperitoneal fibrosis—long-term high-dose risk), impulse control disorders (compulsive gambling, hypersexuality), hallucinations, severe hypotension, or allergic reactions.

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 8 tablets per pack; foil blisters in carton with patient information leaflet; often sold as 8-tablet pack).

Storage Advice:

Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• High risk of fibrotic reactions (cardiac valvulopathy)—requires baseline ECG and periodic monitoring (especially >1 mg/week long-term).
• Contraindicated in uncontrolled hypertension, cardiac valvular disease history, pulmonary/pericardial/retroperitoneal fibrotic disorders, or hypersensitivity.
• Caution in pregnancy (avoid until pregnancy confirmed safe; use barrier contraception until normal prolactin), breastfeeding (suppresses lactation), hepatic impairment, or psychiatric disorders (impulse control risk).
• May cause drowsiness/dizziness—avoid driving/machinery until effects known.
• Monitor for impulse control disorders (gambling, shopping, hypersexuality).
• If severe nausea, chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, or mood changes occur, seek urgent care.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Product Substitutes: Similar cabergoline 0.5mg tablets available in Ghana include:

• Generic cabergoline 0.5mg (various importers).
• Cabergoline generics (e.g., Cabaser, Dostinex equivalents). Alternatives: Bromocriptine (Parlodel generics) for hyperprolactinemia (shorter-acting), or quinagolide (less common). Consult endocrinologist/gynecologist in Accra (e.g., Korle Bu Hospital) for alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Pfizer Inc. (original brand holder for Dostinex). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by Pfizer regional affiliates (Pfizer Ghana) or local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked at outlets like Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy).

Country of Origin:

Varies by batch/market (original Dostinex often manufactured in Belgium, Ireland, or other Pfizer facilities; generics from India commonly imported to Ghana).