Pergolide tablets

July 17, 2018

Pergolide tablets

What is this medicine?

PERGOLIDE (PER go lide) is used to control the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It helps to improve muscle control and movement difficulties.

NOTE: This drug is being removed from the US market. If you are currently taking Pergolide, contact your doctor about stopping this medicine and finding an alternative therapy. Do not stop taking this medicine without first speaking to your doctor. Abruptly stopping this medicine can be dangerous.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • anxiety, restlessness

  • chest pain

  • confusion

  • difficulty breathing or catching your breath

  • double vision, or other vision problems

  • fainting spells

  • falling asleep during normal activities like driving

  • fast, irregular heartbeat

  • hallucination, loss of contact with reality

  • lower back pain, or chest or neck pain

  • mental changes

  • palpitations

  • uncontrollable movements of the arms, face, hands, head, mouth, shoulders, or upper body

  • unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • constipation or diarrhea

  • difficulty sleeping

  • headache

  • loss of appetite

  • nausea

  • runny or stuffy nose

  • stomach pain

  • vomiting

  • weight change

What may interact with this medicine?

  • medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances

  • metoclopramide

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • history of heart disease or heart valve disease

  • low blood pressure

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to pergolide, ergot alkaloids, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks or months before you feel the full effect of this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. You may experience flushing, nausea, vomiting, pale skin, or sweating before dizziness or fainting occurs. Do not get up too quickly from a lying or sitting position. Report any dizziness or related symptoms to your health care provider as soon as possible. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Do not take any medications that cause drowsiness without first checking with your health care provider.

If you find that you have sudden feelings of wanting to sleep during normal activities, like cooking, watching television, or while driving or riding in a car, you should contact your health care professional.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Updated:  

July 17, 2018