Bromocriptine tablet

What is this medicine?

BROMOCRIPTINE comes from a group of medicines called ergot alkaloids. This medicine is useful in treating menstrual and fertility problems and symptoms caused by certain cancers. It is also used to treat Parkinson's disease and people who have too much growth hormone.

What should my health care professional know before I receive this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• heart or vessel disease
• high or low blood pressure
• history of heart attack
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• seizures
• an unusual or allergic reaction to bromocriptine, ergot alkaloids, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Take with food to prevent stomach upset. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 11 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is more than 4 hours since your dose was due, wait until your next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cocaine
• dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergoloid mesylates, methysergide, or ergot-type medication
• imatinib
• medicines for HIV infection like amprenavir, delavirdine, efavirenz, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir and saquinavir

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• levodopa
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• metoclopramide

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while taking this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should check your blood pressure regularly, especially if you get severe headaches. Report changes in blood pressure if they occur. Contact your doctor or health care professional promptly if you develop an unusual or severe headache or have changes in your vision.

If you stop taking this medicine when it is being used for tumor treatment, the tumor may regrow quickly, and your original symptoms may return. Do not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more dizzy, and increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Dizziness is more common after the first dose. Take it before bedtime if possible and be careful getting out of bed.

If you find that you have sudden feelings of wanting to sleep during normal activities, like cooking, watching television, or while driving or riding in a car, you should contact your health care professional.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• changes in vision
• confusion or hallucinations
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• irregular heartbeat
• numbness, tingling, or burning in hands or feet
• runny nose
• seizures
• spasm in fingers or toes, or unusual muscle movements
• stomach pain
• unusual bleeding, bruising
• unusual or severe headache
• unusually weak or tired
• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea or constipation
• loss of appetite
• mild stomach cramps
• nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.