What is bromocriptine?
Bromocriptine is a prescription medication used to treat various hormonal disorders. It may also be prescribed, along with certain lifestyle changes, to control blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Talk to your health care provider about whether or not bromocriptine is right for you.
What are the common side effects of bromocriptine?
Bromocriptine has been shown to cause some side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these adverse reactions do not go away within a few days.
Common side effects reported from bromocriptine use include:
This is not a complete list of all possible side effects caused by bromocriptine.
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Bromocriptine is a prescription medication used to treat various hormonal disorders. It is also indicated for use as a treatment for tumors on the pituitary gland.
In addition to its use as a treatment for hormone conditions, bromocriptine may be prescribed in conjunction with other medication as a treatment for symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It is also used, along with certain lifestyle changes, to control blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Bromocriptine is commonly prescribed to treat menstrual problems in women and stops milk production in both men and women who experience abnormal milk discharge. It can also be used as a treatment for infertility in both men and women.
Bromocriptine is also prescribed as a treatment for acromegaly (a rare disorder in which the body produces too much growth hormone) as well as tumors on the pituitary gland (prolactinoma).
In conjunction with levodopa, bromocriptine is prescribed as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
This medication may also be prescribed along with certain lifestyle changes to help manage blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. It is not prescribed as a treatment for type 1 diabetes.
Bromocriptine belongs to a classification of medication known as dopamine receptor agonists. These drugs bind to dopamine receptors in the brain, mimicking dopamine’s effect on the body.
Bromocriptine also blocks the production of prolactin from the pituitary gland. Prolactin is a natural hormone that affects the menstrual cycle and causes the breasts to grow and produce milk. In blocking the production of this hormone, bromocriptine can treat menstrual problems (such as amenorrhea), abnormal milk discharge, and infertility caused by an excess of prolactin in both men and women.
Bromocriptine has also been shown to reduce levels of growth hormone. This makes it an effective treatment for acromegaly – a rare condition in which the pituitary glands produce too much growth hormone.
As treatment for symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, bromocriptine works in conjunction with levodopa to stimulate nerves that control movement. This works to reduce the uncontrollable movement and spasming caused by Parkinson’s disease. It’s important to note that bromocriptine is not a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Instead, it works to minimize uncomfortable symptoms caused by the disease.
Bromocriptine’s exact mechanism of action on patients with type 2 diabetes is unknown. When prescribed in conjunction with diet changes and physical activity, however, it has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels in patients managing type 2 diabetes.
Bromocriptine has been shown to cause some side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these adverse reactions do not go away within a few days.
Common side effects reported from bromocriptine use include:
This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects caused by bromocriptine. If you experience any severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, fainting, seizures, severe headaches, or swelling, contact your doctor immediately.
As with all prescription medications, inform your prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have and any medications and supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with bromocriptine. Bromocriptine can also interact with other forms of medication and substances, leading to potentially serious side effects. Be sure to let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with bromocriptine. If you become pregnant while taking bromocriptine, notify your health care provider immediately.
Bromocriptine is commonly supplied as an oral tablet. The exact dosage of bromocriptine will depend on the condition being treated, as well as the age and body weight of the patient.
In most cases, it is recommended that you take bromocriptine with food. Talk to your health care provider about recommended use and storage methods.
Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of bromocriptine without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.
Bromocriptine is currently only available via prescription. This means that the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.
Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write you a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not bromocriptine might be right for you.
Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.
Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for bromocriptine to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.
Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.
