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Cabergoline Side Effects

Hello,

I was diagnosed with a Prolactinoma about 3 years ago.  At that time it was 5mm.   To make a long story short, I have been treated with both Bromocriptine (which I could not tolerate due to Rhinitis and Dizziness) and with Cabergoline.  I have had trouble with the Cabergoline (headaches and dizziness) but seem to be able to tolerate .25 mg 2xweek.  After taking that dose for 2 years, I went in for a Prolactin level and updated MRI.  My Prolactin was at 137 and my tumor has grown to 9mm.  My Dr tried to increase my meds to a full pill (.5mg) 2xweek but, I was so sick from it.  I spend a lot of time typing reports at a computer for my profession and I could not shake the dizziness and nausea.  I can tolerate the headaches with ibruprofen.  My Dr. then cut me back to .25 mg 1 day and .5 mg the other day with a total of .75 mg/week. It is still making me feel so dizzy and nauseous but, my Prolactin draw this week was at 41.5.   Any suggestions?  Is there something that I can do to combat the yucky side effects?  Also, what about surgery?  I do have a Dr. at Mayo that suggests a consult with the Neurosurgeon.  I'd appreciate any feedback or ideas...  Thanks much!
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Avatar universal
I was on Cabergoline for 8 months and my tumor grew from 3mm to 9mm. The medicine kept my prolactin level down to normal, but did not keep the tumor from growing. Second MRI this year showed more than one tumor now and on a bed of cysts. I've had cushings-like symptoms and prolactin-breast engorgement.  I'm having it all removed on Dec 19th. I'm nervous about surgery, but I'm symptomatic and I'm tired of feeling this way, plus i don't want it to grow any larger.

I think its important to bear in mind that a lot of what you read on the internet are people that are having problems with surgery or meds and are searching for answers (myself included!) There are also people out there that have had good outcomes, but they aren't  always posting about it. Good luck with whatever you choose. I'll update after my surgery. Fingers crossed for us both.
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Avatar universal
I had the surgery. I had Cushing's and a prolactinoma so I had both out.

I don't have experience with that surgeon. Good luck!!!
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Avatar universal
I met with my Endo yesterday at Mayo in Rochester.  After another MRI  and continued elevated Prolactin after 2 years of therapy, she is recommending removal.  I meet with the surgeon today.  Does anyone have experience with Mayo in Rochester?  The reviews online of Dr. Atkinson seem very good.  Thoughts?
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Avatar universal
I guess my question is this...should I tolerate the meds?  What I mean by that is, if I tough it out on the higher dose, will it  (or is it the 'norm') eventually become tolerable?   Has anyone else had their tumor grow while on meds and then increased dose and had it shrink?  
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Avatar universal
If you don't tolerate the meds, and your tumor keeps growing... it sounds like that is your only option.
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