Ergot-derived dopamine agonists: fibrotic reactions.(Safety and Efficacy Issues)

United Kingdom/European Union -- The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has recommended new warnings and contraindications for ergot-derived dopamine agonists as a result of the risk of fibrosis, particularly cardiac fibrosis, associated with chronic use. The risk of cardiac fibrosis is higher with cabergoline and pergolide than with the other ergot-derived dopamine agonists. Cabergoline, pergolide, and bromocriptine are indicated for the treatment of Parkinson disease.

Cabergoline (brand leader Dostinex[R]) is used in hyperprolactinaemia. Bromocriptine (brand leader Parlodel[R]) is indicated for chronic endocrine disorders such as hyperprolactinaemia and acromegaly. …