Parlodel

Parlodel

     * Generic Name: bromocriptine mesylate
     * Brand Name: Parlodel


     * What is bromocriptine (Parlodel) (Parlodel)?
     * What are the possible side effects of Parlodel (Parlodel)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       Parlodel (Parlodel)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       Parlodel (Parlodel)?
     * How should I take Parlodel (Parlodel)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Parlodel)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Parlodel)?
     * What should I avoid while taking Parlodel (Parlodel)?
     * What other drugs will affect Parlodel (Parlodel)?
     * Where can I get more information (Parlodel)?

What is bromocriptine (Parlodel) (Parlodel)?

   This medication guide provides information about the Parlodel brand of
   bromocriptine. Cycloset is another brand of bromocriptine that is
   not covered in this medication guide.

   The Parlodel brand of bromocriptine is used to treat certain conditions
   caused by a hormone imbalance in which there is too much prolactin
   in the blood (hyperprolactinemia). Symptoms include lack of sexual
   development in adolescents. Women may have missed menstrual periods,
   loss of interest in sex, hot flashes, infertility, or
   unexpected breast milk production and leakage from the nipples. Men may
   have enlarged breasts, decreased libido, decreased facial or body
   hair, and loss of muscle. Parlodel is also used to treat these
   disorders when they are caused by brain tumors that can produce
   prolactin.

   Parlodel is sometimes used together with surgery or radiation in
   treating acromegaly, a condition caused by a pituitary gland
   tumor that produces too much growth hormone. Parlodel is also used
   to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as stiffness,
   tremors, muscle spasms, and poor muscle control.

   Bromocriptine may also be used for purposes not listed in this
   medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of Parlodel (Parlodel)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an
   allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face,
   lips, tongue, or throat.

   Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have a
   serious side effect such as:
     * vision problems, constant runny nose;
     * chest pain, pain when you breathe, fast heart rate, rapid
       breathing, feeling short of breath (especially when lying down);
     * back pain, swelling in your ankles or feet, urinating less than
       usual or not at all;
     * confusion, hallucinations, feeling like you might pass out;
     * low blood sugar (headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, tremors,
       irritability, trouble concentrating);
     * muscle movements you cannot control, loss of balance or
       coordination;
     * bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that
       looks like coffee grounds; or
     * dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred
       vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain,
       shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).

   Less serious side effects may include:
     * dizziness, spinning sensation, mild drowsiness, feeling tired;
     * mild headache, depressed mood, sleep problems (insomnia);
     * dry mouth, stuffy nose;
     * upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of
       appetite, diarrhea, constipation; or
     * cold feeling or numbness in your fingers.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about Parlodel
(Parlodel)?

   This medication guide provides information about the Parlodel brand of
   bromocriptine. Cycloset is another brand of bromocriptine that is not
   covered in this medication guide.

   You should not use Parlodel if you have uncontrolled high blood
   pressure, if you have high blood pressure caused by pregnancy
   (eclampsia or preeclampsia), or if you have recently had a baby
   and you have a history of coronary artery disease or severe
   heart disease. You may need to stop taking Parlodel if you become
   pregnant during treatment. Follow your doctor's instructions.

   You should not breast-feed a baby while taking bromocriptine.

   Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking
   bromocriptine.

   Parlodel Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Infertility:Which Treatment Is Right for You?

   Infertility Treatment Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the Infertility Quiz

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

   You should not use this medication if you are allergic to bromocriptine
   or to an ergot medicine (Ergomar, Cafergot, Migergot, D.H.E. 45,
   Migranal, Methergine).

   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 Parlodel, 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 this medication.

How should I take Parlodel (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.

   Parlodel is usually taken twice daily with meals.

   While using bromocriptine, you may need blood tests at your doctor's
   office. Visit your doctor regularly.

   You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other
   intense urges while taking this medication. Talk with your doctor if
   you believe you have any intense or unusual urges while taking
   Parlodel.

   Some people taking Parkinson's disease medications have developed
   skin cancer (melanoma). However, people with Parkinson's
   disease may have a higher risk of melanoma. Talk to your doctor about
   this risk and what skin symptoms to watch for. You may need to have
   regular skin exams.

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

   Parlodel Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Infertility:Which Treatment Is Right for You?

   Infertility Treatment Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the Infertility Quiz

What happens if I miss a dose (Parlodel)?

   Take the missed Parlodeldose with food as soon as you remember. Skip
   the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do
   not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Parlodel)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting,
   constipation, sweating, pale skin, dizziness, drowsiness,
   yawning, confusion, hallucinations, and fainting.

What should I avoid while taking Parlodel (Parlodel)?

   Avoid using an ergot medicine at any time while you are taking
   Parlodel. Ergot medicine are used to treat migraine headaches, and
   include ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot, Migergot),
   dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), and methylergonovine
   (Methergine):

   Bromocriptine may impair your thinking or reactions. Some people taking
   Parlodel have fallen asleep during normal daytime activities such as
   working, talking, eating, or driving. You may fall asleep suddenly,
   even after feeling alert. Be careful if you drive or do anything that
   requires you to be alert.

What other drugs will affect Parlodel (Parlodel)?

   Many other drugs can interact with bromocriptine. Below is just a
   partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:
     * an antidepressant, a sedative or narcotic
       medication, medicines to treat psychiatric disorders;
     * an antibiotic or antifungal medication, anti-malaria
       drugs;
     * asthma or allergy medication;
     * cancer medicine, medicines used to prevent organ transplant
       rejection;
     * cholesterol-lowering drugs such as simvastatin
       (Zocor);
     * an oral diabetes medication;
     * heart or blood pressure medications, heart rhythm medication;
     * HIV or AIDS medications;
     * seizure medications;
     * sildenafil (Viagra) and other erectile dysfunction
       medicines; or
     * stomach acid reducers.

   This list is not complete and there are many other drugs that can
   interact with bromocriptine. Tell your doctor about all medications you
   use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal
   products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
   Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare
   provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information (Parlodel)?

   Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about
   bromocriptine (Parlodel).
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