cycloset

This medication guide provides information about the Cycloset brand of bromocriptine. Parlodel is another brand of bromocriptine that is not covered in this medication guide.

The Cycloset brand of bromocriptine is used together with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes. Cycloset is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Bromocriptine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information

You should not use Cycloset if you are breast-feeding, if you have migraine headaches that cause you to faint, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (Call your doctor for treatment with insulin). You should not breast-feed a baby while taking Cycloset. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking Cycloset.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Cycloset if you are allergic to bromocriptine or to an ergot medicine (Ergomar, Cafergot, Migergot, D.H.E. 45, Migranal, Methergine). You should not use Cycloset if:

• you are breast-feeding;

• you have migraine headaches that cause you to faint; or

• you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (Call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

Cycloset may contain lactose. Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have a hereditary form of galactose intolerance, severe lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption.

To make sure you can safely take Cycloset, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• high or low blood pressure, heart disease, or a history of heart attack;

• liver or kidney disease;

• a tumor of the pituitary gland;

• a stomach ulcer or history of stomach or intestinal bleeding; or

• a history of mental illness or psychosis.

FDA pregnancy category B. Cycloset is not expected to harm an unborn baby. However, a pituitary tumor in the mother can expand during pregnancy. High blood pressure can also occur during pregnancy and Cycloset could be dangerous if taken by a pregnant woman with high blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Cycloset lowers the hormone needed to produce breast milk. Do not breast-feed a baby while taking bromocriptine.

See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

How should I take Cycloset?

Take Cycloset exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Cycloset is usually taken each morning with food, within 2 hours after you wake up.

Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and you may need other blood tests at your doctor"s office. Visit your doctor regularly.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them: headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, tremors, irritability, or trouble concentrating.

Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Sugar sources include orange juice, glucose gel, candy, or milk. If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use an injection of glucagon. Your doctor can give you a prescription for a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to give the injection. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.

Also watch for signs of blood sugar that is too high (hyperglycemia). These symptoms include increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, and weight loss.

Check your blood sugar carefully during a time of stress or illness, if you travel, exercise more than usual, drink alcohol, or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your dose needs may also change.

Your doctor may want you to stop taking Cycloset for a short time if you become ill, have a fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency.

Ask your doctor how to adjust your Cycloset dose if needed. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor"s advice.

Cycloset is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, and testing your blood sugar. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels.

Store Cycloset at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed Cycloset dose if you have not taken it within 2 hours after waking up in the morning. Wait until the next morning to take your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, constipation, sweating, pale skin, dizziness, drowsiness, yawning, confusion, hallucinations, and fainting.

What should I avoid?

If you use any ergot medicine to treat migraine headaches, such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot, Migergot), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), or methylergonovine (Methergine): Avoid using the ergot medicine within 6 hours before or after you have taken Cycloset.

Cycloset may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Cycloset side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Cycloset: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• vision problems, constant runny nose;

• chest pain, pain when you breathe, fast heart rate, rapid breathing, feeling short of breath (especially when lying down);

• back pain, swelling in your ankles or feet, urinating less than usual or not at all;

• confusion, hallucinations, feeling like you might pass out;

• low blood sugar (headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, tremors, irritability, trouble concentrating);

• muscle movements you cannot control, loss of balance or coordination;

• bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or

• dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).

Less serious Cycloset side effects may include:

• dizziness, mild drowsiness, feeling weak or tired;

• mild headache;

• stuffy nose;

• upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation; or

• cold feeling or numbness in your fingers.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Cycloset?

Many other drugs can interact with Cycloset. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:

• an antidepressant, a sedative or narcotic medication, medicines to treat psychiatric disorders;

• an antibiotic or antifungal medication, anti-malaria drugs;

• asthma or allergy medication;

• cancer medicine, medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection;

• cholesterol-lowering drugs such as simvastatin (Zocor);

• an oral diabetes medication;

• heart or blood pressure medications, heart rhythm medication;

• HIV or AIDS medications;

• seizure medications;

• sildenafil (Viagra) and other erectile dysfunction medicines; or

• stomach acid reducers.

This list is not complete and there are many other drugs that can interact with Cycloset. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.