Cabergoline is a medication used to treat hyperprolactinemia. Patients focus on key aspects such as its purchase channels, dosage and administration, and precautions for use in special populations. Since Cabergoline has not been launched in China and is not covered by the national medical insurance, patients need to purchase overseas versions of the medication on their own. So, where can Cabergoline be bought?
Where Can Cabergoline Be Bought?
Cabergoline is a prescription medication, and its purchase must comply with strict medical procedures and legal regulations. The following are the main purchase channels for Cabergoline and relevant information.
Through International Pharmacies or Cross-Border Medical Platforms
For medications not yet launched in China, some patients choose to purchase Cabergoline through international pharmacies or cross-border medical platforms. During this process, it is necessary to verify the legal qualifications of the platform, check the production batch number and expiration date of the medication, and avoid purchasing counterfeit or expired products. International logistics and transportation must store the medication at an appropriate temperature to maintain its efficacy.
Participating in Clinical Trials or Patient Assistance Programs
Certain medical institutions or pharmaceutical companies conduct clinical trials or patient assistance programs, providing eligible patients with free or discounted Cabergoline. Patients can consult their attending physicians or pay attention to announcements from relevant medical institutions to learn about the participation criteria and application procedures.
Cabergoline Dosage and Administration
The dosage and administration of Cabergoline must be standardized under the guidance of a doctor. The following are key points that require special attention during medication use.
Initial Dosage
The initial dosage of Cabergoline is 0.25mg, taken orally twice a week. Doctors will gradually adjust the dosage based on the patient's prolactin level, and the maximum dosage usually does not exceed 1mg twice a week. Patients must not increase or decrease the dosage on their own; they need to undergo regular re-examinations and follow the doctor's instructions.
Dosage Adjustment
According to the patient's prolactin level, the doctor may gradually increase the dosage in increments of 0.25mg, administered twice a week, with each adjustment interval not less than 4 weeks. The maximum dosage is typically 1mg twice a week. Patients should maintain the lowest dosage that provides the maximum therapeutic response.
Precautions for Cabergoline Use in Special Populations
Special attention must be paid to the use of Cabergoline in special populations. The following are the relevant precautions.
Pregnant Women
If a patient becomes pregnant during treatment or plans to become pregnant, she should inform the doctor, undergo a pregnancy test, and discuss with the doctor whether to continue treatment. Dopamine agonists should generally not be used in patients with gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia, or postpartum hypertension, unless the potential benefits are judged to outweigh the possible risks.
Lactating Women
Since many medications are excreted in human milk and Cabergoline may cause serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants, the importance of the medication to the mother should be considered when deciding whether to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the medication.
Patients with Hepatic or Renal Impairment
In 12 patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment, no effect on the mean area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of Cabergoline was observed. However, the mean AUC of Cabergoline is significantly increased in patients with severe hepatic impairment, so cautious use is required.
By strictly following the medication guidelines for special populations, patients can minimize the risks associated with treatment.
