At a glance
Effects
- Lowers prolactin: Reduces prolactin release from the pituitary, correcting hyperprolactinemia.[1][3]
- Restores fertility / gonadal function: Normalizing prolactin can restore menstrual cycles, ovulation and sexual function; in trials gonadal function was restored in most hypogonadal patients.[9]
- Shrinks prolactinomas: Dopamine agonists including cabergoline reduce prolactin-secreting tumor size.[8]
- Long duration of action: A single oral dose produces effects lasting up to about a week.[6]
Ergot-derived dopamine D2 agonist (prolactin inhibitor)
~63–69 hours
Oral
Peak plasma ~2–3 h; effect lasts up to ~1 week
Cardiac valve fibrosis (dose-dependent)
About Cabergoline
Every point here is drawn from public medical and harm-reduction sources. A bracketed number after a claim — like [1]— is a reference: tap it to open the exact source it's based on (numbered list at the bottom). It is not a rating or score. Educational information, not medical advice.
Product specifics
- Est. delivery
- 3–7 business days · EU tracked
Product details as stated by the vendor (claims, not independently verified). Delivery is our standard EU estimate.
What it is
Cabergoline is a long-acting ergot-derived dopamine D2-receptor agonist (brand name Dostinex) used primarily to lower high prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia), including prolactin-secreting pituitary tumors (prolactinomas).[1][3] In performance/recovery circles it is used off-label to manage prolactin elevation associated with some anabolic compounds and to address related sexual side effects.[2]
How it works
Prolactin is released by lactotroph cells in the pituitary gland and is normally held in check by dopamine. Cabergoline mimics dopamine by binding D2 receptors on those cells, switching off prolactin secretion and lowering prolactin in the blood.[3][7] Because it binds D2 receptors tightly and is cleared slowly, a single dose acts for several days, allowing twice-weekly (or even weekly) dosing.[6][7] It can also shrink prolactinomas.[8]
Risks & side effects
Most important: The most important risk is cardiac valve disease (fibrosis/regurgitation), driven by cabergoline's activation of 5-HT2B serotonin receptors on heart valves; this is dose-dependent and was mainly seen at high daily doses (>2–3 mg/day) and large cumulative doses used historically in Parkinson's disease.[5][10] At the much lower weekly doses used for prolactin, most studies do not show clear valve damage, but the FDA label still advises cardiac monitoring and stopping the drug if valve problems appear.[10][5]
Common
Serious
- Cardiac valve disease (fibrosis, regurgitation) — dose- and duration-dependent.[5][10]
- Fibrosis of the lungs, heart lining or abdomen (pleural/pericardial/retroperitoneal fibrosis).[3][10]
- Impulse-control disorders — compulsive gambling, hypersexuality or other strong urges.[1][2]
- Heart failure symptoms (shortness of breath, ankle/leg swelling) requiring urgent review.[1]
Safety & harm reduction
- History of cardiac valve disorders or pericardial fibrosis.[10]
- History of pulmonary, pleural or retroperitoneal fibrotic disorders.[10]
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure.[2]
- Allergy to ergot derivatives (e.g. ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, ergonovine).[2]
- Should not be used to suppress/stop breast milk production after childbirth.[4]
- Avoid concomitant D2-antagonists (phenothiazines, butyrophenones, thioxanthenes, metoclopramide) — they oppose its action.[10]
- Other drugs associated with valvulopathy — use only if benefit outweighs risk.[10]
- Alcohol and other sedating drugs (opioids, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, anti-anxiety/seizure meds) can worsen dizziness/drowsiness.[2]
- Take with food to reduce nausea.[2]
- Start low and titrate slowly; use the lowest effective dose to limit cumulative-dose valve risk.[7][5]
- Rise slowly from sitting/lying to avoid fainting.[1]
- Report new compulsive urges, breathlessness or leg swelling promptly; discontinue if valvular regurgitation is diagnosed.[1][10]
Dosage context
Commonly-reported, not a prescription. In medical use for hyperprolactinemia the typical range is about 0.25–4 mg per WEEK (often split into two doses), usually started low (e.g. 0.5 mg/week) and titrated; this is far below the high daily doses (>2–3 mg/day) linked to valve disease.[7][10][5] Performance/off-label use for steroid-related prolactin elevation is not validated by controlled studies — treat any such figures as unverified and use the lowest effective dose with medical supervision and echocardiographic monitoring.[10]
Sources
- 1.Cleveland Clinic – Cabergoline (Dostinex)
- 2.WebMD – Cabergoline (Dostinex)
- 3.Synapse/PatSnap – Mechanism of Cabergoline
- 4.Mayo Clinic – Cabergoline (oral route)
- 5.Gamble et al., Ther Adv Drug Saf (PMC5564889) – valve screening review
- 6.peptides.fyi – Cabergoline pharmacokinetics
- 7.DrOracle – Cabergoline mechanism & PK
- 8.PMC6357924 – Dopamine agonists in prolactinomas
- 9.MGH Neuroendocrine Center – Cabergoline for prolactinoma (link unavailable)
- 10.FDA Label – DOSTINEX (cabergoline) tablets
This information is provided for educational and harm-reduction purposes only. It is not medical advice. These substances can carry serious health risks; effects and safe use vary by individual. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Legal status varies by country — it is your responsibility to know your local law. We do not encourage misuse.
Other options for Cabergoline· 7 offers
Same compound from different labs/brands and pack sizes. Tap a row to switch brand — the price and buy button update instantly.
This compound comes in different forms (e.g. injectable vs oral vs topical). Cost per mg is only comparable within the same form.
| Brand | Form | Strength | Pack | Price | Per mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Generic | blister-pack | 1 mg/tab | 60 tab | 64,90 € | ★€1.082/mg |
Intex Pharma | — | — | 74,90 € | — | |
Driada | blister-pack | 0.125 mg/tab | 20 tab | 89,90 € | €35.960/mg |
Generic | oral-liquid | 2 mg/ml | 30 ml | 104,99 € | €1.750/mg |
Generic | blister-pack | 0.5 mg/tab | 16 tab | 109,99 € | €13.749/mg |
GenericSelected | blister-pack | 0.5 mg/tab | 20 tab | 114,99 € | €11.499/mg |
Generic | oral-liquid | 4 mg/ml | 30 ml | 139,99 € | ★€1.167/mg |