bromocriptine

Bromocriptine is a fertility drug used to suppress prolactin, the hormone that stimulates milk production. An excess of prolactin (hyperprolactinemia) in women can stop the ovulatory process by inhibiting the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).

• how it works
• how to take it
• side effects
• results

how it works

Bromocriptine is indicated for the treatment of disorders associated with hyperprolactinemia, including amenorrhea (lack of menstruation), with or without galactorrhea (a secretion of milk from the breast that is not associated with breastfeeding), infertility or hypogonadism.

Bromocriptine mimics the neurotransmitters in a woman’s body that inhibit prolactin secretion in her pituitary. It can also shrink an adenoma, a benign tumor that grows in a woman’s pituitary gland that can cause excess prolactin secretion.

In addition to the usual battery of fertility tests, a patient’s prolactin levels are tested before bromocriptine is prescribed. Bromocriptine works fast. If no indication of ovulation (release of eggs from the ovary) is seen in the first two months, healthcare providers might add clomiphene to the treatment regimen.

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how to take it

Bromocriptine is taken orally every day until pregnancy is achieved. One way to offset side effects is to gradually increase the dosage. Doctors recommend dividing the tablet in half for a period of time and increasing the amount until the full dosage is tolerated. The drug is stopped when the basal body temperature (BBT) or LH kits signal ovulation, or the patient achieves pregnancy.

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side effects

As with most drugs there are risks and side effects associated with bromocriptine. Your healthcare provider will discuss important safety information with you about this product.

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results

Ovulation is achieved in about 75% of the women with galactorrhea and hyperprolactinemia.¹ Ovulation will likely occur before galactorrhea is stopped. Following discontinuance of bromocriptine therapy, the recurrence rate of amenorrhea and/or galactorrhea is 70% to 80%.¹ The average time the drug is taken is six to eight weeks, although this may vary.¹

In order to reduce the likelihood of prolonged exposure to bromocriptine should an unexpected pregnancy occur, a barrier contraceptive should be used in conjunction with bromocriptine until normal ovulatory menstrual cycles have been restored. You should discuss barrier contraceptive options with your healthcare provider prior to starting this medication.

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