Quinagolide - Oral

Quinagolide is used to treat hyperprolactinaemia (high prolactin levels in the blood).

This medicine helps reduce your body's level of prolactin. Prolactin is a hormone that stimulates breast development and it aids in the formation of milk during pregnancy.

Take Quinagolide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Take this medicine at bedtime together with food, preferably a snack. Try to take it at the same time each day.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on your condition and your response to the medication.

Quinagolide must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• kidney disease
• liver disease

as Quinagolide may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• history of mental illness
• Parkinson's disease (disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking)

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. blood prolactin levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
• Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of unusual changes in mood or behaviour may also be needed.

Quinagolide may cause you to suddenly fall asleep during your daily activities such as eating and watching television. Do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.

Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, tiredness, flushing, and stuffy nose.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
• confusion, hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines for mood disorders
• medicines for high blood pressure

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Quinagolide.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.