Cabergoline or Dostinex: Which Pituitary Powerhouse to Choose?
Cabergoline and Dostinex are frequently compared for their effectiveness and cost differences by people suffering from Hyperprolactinemia.
You may have tried Cabergoline and now looking for Dostinex as a trusted medication for controlling the hormonal imbalance.
Cabergoline is an active salt or ingredient used for treating high levels of Prolactin in the blood.
Dostinex is a common brand name given to Cabergoline salt. It was approved by the US Food & Drug Administration in 1996.
If you want to know what to choose between Cabergoline and Dostinex, you are at the right place.
This article will help you choose the right medicine between Cabergoline and Dostinex.
| Basis | Cabergoline | Dostinex |
|---|---|---|
| Salt name | Cabergoline | Cabergoline |
| Brand name | May vary depending on the manufacturer | Dostinex |
| Dosage form | Oral (tablet) | Oral (tablet) |
| Usual dosage strength | 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg | 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg |
| Frequency of administration | 0.25 mg: Twice a week 0.50 mg: Once a week | 0.25 mg: Twice a week 0.50 mg: Once a week |
| Efficacy | Reduces Prolactin levels | Reduces Prolactin levels |
| Side effects | Nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness | Nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness |
| Availability | More commonly available as a generic medication | Brand name medication |
| Average cost | 0.25 mg: $1 per pill 0.50 mg: $2.36 per pill (approx) | 0.25 mg: $1 per pill 0.50 mg: $11 per pill (approx) |
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of Cabergoline and Dostinex depends on the strength of the individual’s medication.
Cabergoline and Dostinex have been proven effective at reducing the levels of Prolactin, a hormone.
This hormone is responsible for developing mammary glands within breast tissue, milk production, and lactation.
Prolactin levels become high in Hyperprolactinemia causing the following common symptoms:
- Infertility
- Loss of interest in sex
- Low bone mass
- Milky discharge from your nipples when not pregnant or chestfeeding
Studies have shown that salt or medicine, Cabergoline, has effectively treated hyperprolactinaemic disorders.
Availability and cost
Cabergoline is available under several brand names other than Dostinex. Some of them are:
- Alactin
- Cabaser
- Caberlin
- Lactinese
- Prolastat
Dostinex is a brand name that widely sells Cabergoline as an active ingredient in its medicine.
Regarding cost, Cabergoline as a generic medicine may be available at a lower price than the brand Dostinex.
However, the availability and pricing may vary by country and healthcare system.
Side effects
Cabergoline and Dostinex cause similar side effects as the main ingredient (Cabergoline) is the same.
There can be some common side effects of both medications. These include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Feeling weak or tired
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
The main salt used in both of these medications may also cause some side effects that can be serious:
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing when lying down
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- Decrease in urination
- Pain in the back, side, or groin
- Lumps or pain in the stomach area
- Abnormal vision
Dosage
There are different dosages of medications with the active ingredient Cabergoline.
Dostinex comes in two doses, 0.25 mg and 0.50 mg.
Cabergoline has multiple dosages, 0.25 mg, 0.50 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg.
But 0.25 mg and 0.50 mg are usually suggested for treating Hyperprolactinemia.
At first, 0.25 mg 2 times a week is prescribed.
Your doctor may increase your dose every four weeks as needed, according to body Prolactin levels, up to 1 mg twice weekly.
Administration
Both Cabergoline and Dostinex are orally consumed as they only come in tablets.
General use directions for these tablets are as follows:
- Swallow the tablet completely
- Not chewable, crushable, or breakable
- You should take these tablets with food
Takeaway
Choosing between the two, Cabergoline or Dostinex, can sometimes be a tough choice to make.
Both these medications contain the active ingredient Cabergoline, which treats several diseases, commonly including Hyperprolactinemia.
The active ingredient of both of these drugs has shown to be effective against high levels of Prolactin in the blood.
As the primary ingredient is the same, the side effects are also similar. It may cause common side effects like nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, lightheadedness, or tiredness.
There are different dosages containing the salt Cabergoline. Usually, at first, 0.25 mg 2 times a week is prescribed. Your doctor may increase your dose up to 1 mg twice weekly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dostinex the same as Cabergoline?
Cabergoline is an active ingredient or salt. It is used in Cabergoline, a generic name under which this medicine can be sold. Whereas Dostinex is a brand name under which the medicine Cabergoline is sold. There can be other brands that sell Cabergoline too.
What is Dostinex or Cabergoline used for?
Cabergoline is used in the treatment of several diseases, including Hyperprolactinemia. Dostinex is also used to treat the same disease. This medication is generally used to control the Prolactin levels in your blood that may fluctuate due to different diseases.
How do you use Cabergoline or Dostinex?
You can consume Cabergoline or Dostinex orally as it is available in tablet forms. You must swallow the tablet completely. Do not chew, crush, or break these medications. You should take these tablets with food.
Is Cabergoline better than Dostinex?
Cabergoline and Dostinex contain the same active ingredient or salt: Cabergoline. Thus, their efficacy is also similar. They both help reduce the Prolactin levels in your blood that may have been increased due to some disease or condition.
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