IMPORTANT WARNING:     

Why is this medication prescribed?     

Pergolide is used with another medication to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease (a disorder of the nervous system that causes difficulties with movement, muscle control, and balance). Pergolide is in a class of medications called dopamine agonists. It works by acting in place of dopamine, a natural substance in the brain that is needed to control movement.

How should this medicine be used?     

Pergolide comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken 3 times a day, but may be taken only once a day at first. To help you remember to take pergolide, take it around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take pergolide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of pergolide and gradually increase your dose, not more than once every 3 days.

Pergolide controls Parkinson's disease but does not cure it. It may take some time before you feel the full benefit of pergolide. Continue to take pergolide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking pergolide without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking pergolide, you may experience hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist), confusion, fever, muscle stiffness, loss of consciousness, sweating, fast heartbeat, incontinence, and other symptoms. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.

Other uses for this medicine     

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?     

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose     

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• upset stomach
• vomiting
• blurred vision
• dizziness
• fainting
• pounding heartbeat
• angry or aggressive behavior
• hallucination (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
• movements that you cannot control
• tingling in arms or legs
• seizures
• fast thinking and motion

What other information should I know?     

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to pergolide.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

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