Cabergoline

updated

Cabergoline is an FDA-approved dopamine agonist for hyperprolactinemic disorders, first approved in 1996, with label trials in 647 women. In men with prolactinomas, erections normalized in most men whose prolactin normalized. The supplier uses, suppressing prolactin on nandrolone or trenbolone and raising libido or orgasm, had no study in steroid users in three PubMed searches on 9 October 2026. Its main documented risk is fibrotic heart valve disease, which is why the label requires an echocardiogram.

Ergot-derived dopamine receptor agonist

  • FDA approved DOSTINEX under NDA 020664 on 23 December 1996 for hyperprolactinemic disorders; generic cabergoline applications followed from 29 December 2005.
  • In the label's 4-week placebo-controlled trial in 188 women, normal prolactin was reached by 0% on placebo and by 95% on the highest of three effective doses.
  • In 51 men with prolactinomas, nocturnal erections normalized in 60.6% of men whose prolactin normalized after 6 months of cabergoline versus 7.7% of those whose prolactin did not.
  • A meta-analysis of 13 case-control studies in hyperprolactinemia found more tricuspid regurgitation on cabergoline (OR 3.74, 95% CI 1.79 to 7.8); the authors call the clinical significance unclear.
  • The libido claim has one single-dose single-blind study in 10 healthy men, one 50-man trial without effect sizes, and a chart review with no control group.
  • Three PubMed searches on 9 October 2026 found no record that tested cabergoline for gynecomastia, galactorrhea, libido or erections in steroid users.

What is cabergoline approved to do?

FDA approved DOSTINEX (cabergoline) on 23 December 1996 for hyperprolactinemic disorders, idiopathic or due to pituitary adenomas, in adults. Prolactin control alongside steroids and use for libido or orgasm fall outside that labeled population.

The cabergoline label covers hyperprolactinemic disorders, idiopathic or due to pituitary adenomas, in adults. The label version used here took effect on 30 June 2026. The label notes that valve disease reports come mostly from Parkinson's disease use, which is an unapproved use.

FDA approved DOSTINEX under NDA 020664 on 23 December 1996 (Pfizer), and generic cabergoline applications followed from 29 December 2005. A query by the DOSTINEX brand name returned no openFDA record, and the application appeared under the generic-name query. Approvals outside the United States are not covered here.

Cabergoline is C26H37N5O2 (451.6 g/mol, CAS 81409-90-7, PubChem CID 54746). The label describes an ergot derivative and dopamine receptor agonist with high affinity for D2 receptors. The US product is cabergoline itself, not a salt.

Cabergoline label, version effective 30 June 2026: indication, warnings, adverse reactions, PK

FDA prescribing information

DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Cabergoline oral tablets, prescribing information, label version effective 30 June 2026. Set ID e497366b-a124-4d7f-bd45-a883c392d4bb.

The label covers hyperprolactinemic disorders, idiopathic or due to pituitary adenomas, in adults. An echocardiogram is required before starting, cabergoline must not be given if valvular disease is found, and periodic echocardiograms are advised during treatment. It is contraindicated in uncontrolled hypertension, ergot hypersensitivity, valvular disorders or pericardial fibrosis, and pleural, pulmonary or retroperitoneal fibrosis. Postmarketing valvulopathy has occurred mostly at doses above 2 mg a day for Parkinson's disease (an unapproved use) but also at lower doses for hyperprolactinemia; in a 12-year retrospective Parkinson's cohort, cardiac valve regurgitation occurred at 68 per 10,000 person-years on cabergoline versus 10 on non-ergot dopamine agonists and 11 on levodopa. Other warnings cover orthostatic hypotension, avoiding use to suppress postpartum lactation, and impulse control disorders including new or increased sexual urges. In the 4-week placebo-controlled trial, nausea (27% versus 20%), headache (26% versus 25%) and dizziness (15% versus 5%) were most common. Peak levels came 2 to 3 hours after a dose, and the elimination half-life estimated from urinary data was 63 to 69 hours. The label describes an ergot derivative and dopamine receptor agonist with high affinity for D2 receptors.

Participants / model
Adults with hyperprolactinemic disorders; healthy subjects for PK; Parkinson's disease cohort for valve data
Treatment
Cabergoline oral tablets
Follow-up
Label version effective 30 June 2026
Study design
FDA prescribing information
Funding
not stated in the source

The label's clinical studies were all in women. The impulse-control warning (new or increased sexual urges) sits next to the sexual-function claims on this page.

Read the original source
Drugs@FDA: DOSTINEX approved 23 December 1996, generics from 29 December 2005

Regulatory record

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Drugs@FDA application record for NDA 020664 (DOSTINEX), with generic cabergoline applications. Dates read from the openFDA Drugs@FDA records.

FDA approved DOSTINEX under NDA 020664 on 23 December 1996 (Pfizer); generic cabergoline applications followed from 29 December 2005. A query by the DOSTINEX brand name returned no record, and the application appeared under the generic-name query.

Participants / model
Not a clinical population
Treatment
Drug applications
Follow-up
Approvals from 1996
Study design
FDA application records
Funding
not stated in the source

These records give approval dates and applicants. Indications come from the product label.

Read the original source
PubChem: cabergoline identity

Chemical identity record

National Library of Medicine. PubChem compound record CID 54746 (cabergoline).

Cabergoline: PubChem CID 54746, C26H37N5O2, 451.6 g/mol, CAS 81409-90-7. The label describes an ergot derivative and dopamine receptor agonist with high affinity for D2 receptors; the US product is a tablet of cabergoline itself, not a salt.

Participants / model
Chemical identity, not a clinical population
Treatment
Defined molecule
Follow-up
Not applicable
Study design
NLM chemical record
Funding
not stated in the source

Identity record only; it says nothing about efficacy or safety.

Read the original source

What did the prolactin trials find?

In the label's trials in 647 women with hyperprolactinemic disorders, 95% reached normal prolactin on the highest of three effective doses versus 0% on placebo over 4 weeks, and cabergoline beat bromocriptine (77% versus 59%) over 8 weeks. All were in women.

The label's efficacy data come from 647 women with hyperprolactinemic disorders. In a 4-week placebo-controlled dose-response trial in 188 women, normal prolactin was reached by 0% on placebo and by 76%, 74% and 95% on the three effective cabergoline doses.

In an 8-week double-blind trial in hyperprolactinemic amenorrhea, cabergoline (223 women) versus bromocriptine (236) normalized prolactin in 77% versus 59%, restored menses in 77% versus 70% and resolved galactorrhea in 73% versus 56%. Attrition was 46% and 43%. Durability beyond 24 months has not been established.

These are women with true hyperprolactinemia. They do not describe men, men with normal prolactin or steroid users.

Cabergoline label trials: 647 women, normal prolactin 95% at the top dose versus 0% on placebo

FDA prescribing information

DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Cabergoline oral tablets, prescribing information, label version effective 30 June 2026. Set ID e497366b-a124-4d7f-bd45-a883c392d4bb. Clinical studies section.

The label's efficacy data come from 647 women with hyperprolactinemic disorders. In a 4-week placebo-controlled dose-response trial in 188 women, normal prolactin was reached by 0% on placebo and by 76%, 74% and 95% on the three effective cabergoline doses. In an 8-week double-blind trial in hyperprolactinemic amenorrhea, cabergoline (223 women) versus bromocriptine (236) normalized prolactin in 77% versus 59%, restored menses in 77% versus 70% and resolved galactorrhea in 73% versus 56%; attrition was 46% and 43%. Durability beyond 24 months has not been established.

Participants / model
647 women with hyperprolactinemic disorders
Treatment
Oral cabergoline; bromocriptine comparator
Follow-up
4 weeks and 8 weeks
Study design
Randomized trials reported in the label
Funding
not stated in the source

All label trials were in women. They do not describe men or steroid users.

Read the original source

Does cabergoline restore erections in men with high prolactin?

In an open study of 51 men with prolactinomas, nocturnal erections normalized after 6 months of cabergoline in 60.6% of men whose prolactin normalized versus 7.7% of those whose prolactin did not. It is not evidence in men with normal prolactin.

In 51 consecutive men with hyperprolactinemia from prolactinomas (41 macro, 10 micro), fewer than three erectile events per night on nocturnal penile tumescence testing were found in 96.7%, versus 13.7% of 51 healthy controls. After 6 months of cabergoline, prolactin normalized in 74.5% and testosterone in 68.6%, and nocturnal tumescence normalized in 60.6% of men whose prolactin normalized versus 7.7% of those whose prolactin did not.

This supports restoring erections when prolactin is truly high. It was an open study without a placebo group, in men with tumors, so it is not evidence in men with normal prolactin.

51 men with prolactinomas: erections normalized with prolactin

Human study

De Rosa M et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004;89(2):621-5. PMID 14764772.

Fewer than three erectile events per night on nocturnal penile tumescence testing were found in 96.7% of the men, versus 13.7% of 51 healthy controls. After 6 months of cabergoline, prolactin normalized in 74.5% and testosterone in 68.6%, and nocturnal tumescence normalized in 60.6% of men whose prolactin normalized versus 7.7% of those whose prolactin did not.

Participants / model
51 consecutive men with prolactinomas (41 macro, 10 micro) and 51 healthy controls
Treatment
Oral cabergoline; dose not given in the abstract
Follow-up
6 months
Study design
Open longitudinal study
Funding
not stated in the source

This supports restoring erections when prolactin is truly high. It is not evidence in men with normal prolactin.

Read the original source

Does cabergoline raise libido or orgasm intensity in men with normal prolactin?

The tests are small or uncontrolled. One dose in 10 healthy men raised self-rated sexual drive in a single-blind crossover, a 50-man trial in psychogenic erectile dysfunction reported improvement without effect sizes, and a 131-man chart review had no control group. The label warns of new or increased sexual urges.

In a single-blind placebo-controlled crossover in 10 healthy men, one 0.5 mg dose of cabergoline lowered prolactin and enhanced self-rated sexual drive (P < 0.05), sexual function (P < 0.01) and positive perception of the refractory period (P < 0.01) during film-induced arousal and masturbation. The effects disappeared when prolactin was raised again with intravenous protirelin. This is the closest test of the libido and orgasm claim in healthy men: one dose, 10 men, single-blind.

In a 4-month randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial in 50 men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction, the abstract reports significant improvement in erectile function and enhanced desire, orgasmic function, and patient and partner satisfaction on cabergoline, with hormone levels normalizing in most cases. It gives no effect sizes, and baseline prolactin status is not stated.

In a retrospective chart review of 131 men treated at one andrology clinic for delayed orgasm or anorgasmia, 87 (66.4%) reported subjective improvement in orgasm. Longer treatment and concurrent testosterone therapy were associated with response. There was no control group, and the authors call for randomized trials.

The cabergoline label warns of impulse control disorders, including new or increased sexual urges. That warning belongs next to any use aimed at libido.

10 healthy men, one dose: self-rated sexual drive and function up, gone when prolactin raised

Human study

Krüger TH et al. J Endocrinol. 2003;179(3):357-65. PMID 14656205.

One cabergoline dose lowered prolactin and enhanced self-rated sexual drive (P < 0.05), sexual function (P < 0.01) and positive perception of the refractory period (P < 0.01) during film-induced arousal and masturbation. The effects disappeared when prolactin was raised again with intravenous protirelin.

Participants / model
10 healthy men
Treatment
Single oral dose of cabergoline 0.5 mg, intravenous protirelin, or placebo
Follow-up
Single dose
Study design
Single-blind placebo-controlled crossover study
Funding
not stated in the source

This is the closest test of the libido and orgasm claim in healthy men: one dose, 10 men, single-blind.

Read the original source
50 men with psychogenic ED, 4 months: improvement reported without effect sizes

Randomized controlled trial

Nickel M et al. Int J Impot Res. 2007;19(1):104-7. PMID 16728967.

The abstract reports significant improvement in erectile function and enhanced desire, orgasmic function, and patient and partner satisfaction on cabergoline, with hormone levels normalizing in most cases. It gives no effect sizes, and baseline prolactin status is not stated.

Participants / model
50 men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction
Treatment
Oral cabergoline or placebo; dose not given in the abstract
Follow-up
4 months
Study design
Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Funding
not stated in the source

The abstract gives no effect sizes or baseline prolactin, so it cannot be compared with the label trials.

Read the original source
131 men, retrospective chart review: 66.4% reported improved orgasm, no control group

Human study

Hollander AB et al. Sex Med. 2016;4(1):e28-33. PMID 26944776.

87 of 131 men (66.4%) reported subjective improvement in orgasm. Longer treatment and concurrent testosterone therapy were associated with response. There was no control group, and the authors call for randomized trials.

Participants / model
131 men with delayed orgasm or anorgasmia at one andrology clinic
Treatment
Oral cabergoline
Follow-up
Not stated in the abstract
Study design
Retrospective chart review
Funding
not stated in the source

No control group, so improvement cannot be separated from other causes.

Read the original source
Cabergoline label, version effective 30 June 2026: indication, warnings, adverse reactions, PK

FDA prescribing information

DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Cabergoline oral tablets, prescribing information, label version effective 30 June 2026. Set ID e497366b-a124-4d7f-bd45-a883c392d4bb.

The label covers hyperprolactinemic disorders, idiopathic or due to pituitary adenomas, in adults. An echocardiogram is required before starting, cabergoline must not be given if valvular disease is found, and periodic echocardiograms are advised during treatment. It is contraindicated in uncontrolled hypertension, ergot hypersensitivity, valvular disorders or pericardial fibrosis, and pleural, pulmonary or retroperitoneal fibrosis. Postmarketing valvulopathy has occurred mostly at doses above 2 mg a day for Parkinson's disease (an unapproved use) but also at lower doses for hyperprolactinemia; in a 12-year retrospective Parkinson's cohort, cardiac valve regurgitation occurred at 68 per 10,000 person-years on cabergoline versus 10 on non-ergot dopamine agonists and 11 on levodopa. Other warnings cover orthostatic hypotension, avoiding use to suppress postpartum lactation, and impulse control disorders including new or increased sexual urges. In the 4-week placebo-controlled trial, nausea (27% versus 20%), headache (26% versus 25%) and dizziness (15% versus 5%) were most common. Peak levels came 2 to 3 hours after a dose, and the elimination half-life estimated from urinary data was 63 to 69 hours. The label describes an ergot derivative and dopamine receptor agonist with high affinity for D2 receptors.

Participants / model
Adults with hyperprolactinemic disorders; healthy subjects for PK; Parkinson's disease cohort for valve data
Treatment
Cabergoline oral tablets
Follow-up
Label version effective 30 June 2026
Study design
FDA prescribing information
Funding
not stated in the source

The label's clinical studies were all in women. The impulse-control warning (new or increased sexual urges) sits next to the sexual-function claims on this page.

Read the original source

Does cabergoline prevent prolactin-driven problems on nandrolone or trenbolone?

No study found tests it. Three PubMed searches on 9 October 2026 found no record that tested cabergoline for gynecomastia, galactorrhea, libido or erections in steroid users, and none that isolated an effect of trenbolone or nandrolone on prolactin in men.

Sellers describe cabergoline as taken with progestin-heavy anabolic steroids such as trenbolone and nandrolone to suppress prolactin-driven gynecomastia, galactorrhea, and libido and erectile problems, and off-label to boost libido and orgasm intensity.

The first PubMed search on 9 October 2026, for cabergoline, dopamine agonists or bromocriptine with nandrolone, trenbolone, anabolic steroids or bodybuilding terms, returned 4 records: a cattle study, a case report of atrial fibrillation in a bodybuilder taking anabolic steroids and bromocriptine, a French review of drug-induced hypertension, and a seized-product analysis. The second search, for nandrolone or trenbolone with prolactin in men, athletes or volunteers, returned 3 records: a 1964 breast cancer hormone-therapy report, a sheep study, and a 1989 study of 76 male hemodialysis patients in which the 23 taking anabolic steroids (mepitiostane or nandrolone decanoate) had lower testosterone but no significant difference in prolactin. The third, for cabergoline with gynecomastia, returned 22 records on prolactinomas or other true hyperprolactinemia (one in a dog), none in steroid users.

The premise that these steroids raise prolactin rests on small cross-sectional data. In a comparison of 30 steroid users and 30 non-using athletes aged 20 to 37 in Baghdad, serum prolactin was notably higher in users, testosterone and FSH were lower, and LH and estradiol did not differ. The abstract gives no prolactin values, no breakdown by compound, and no data on gynecomastia, galactorrhea or cabergoline.

Poland's official medicines control laboratory tested 63 seized illegal products sold for post-cycle therapy (2020 to 2024), labeled as SERMs, aromatase inhibitors or other agents including hCG, cabergoline and mesterolone. 34.9% did not contain the declared active ingredient (20.6% contained no active ingredient and 14.3% a different one), and 6.4% contained an extra undeclared ingredient. Per-drug results are not given in the abstract.

Three PubMed searches, 9 October 2026: none tested cabergoline in steroid users

PubMed search record

PubMed searches run on 9 October 2026: (1) (cabergoline[tiab] OR dopamine agonist*[tiab] OR bromocriptine[tiab]) AND (nandrolone[tiab] OR trenbolone[tiab] OR anabolic steroid*[tiab] OR anabolic-androgenic[tiab] OR anabolic androgenic[tiab] OR bodybuild*[tiab]); (2) (nandrolone[tiab] OR trenbolone[tiab]) AND prolactin[tiab] AND (men[tiab] OR male[tiab] OR human[tiab] OR humans[mh] OR athletes[tiab] OR volunteers[tiab]); (3) cabergoline AND (gynecomastia OR gynaecomastia). 4, 3 and 22 records returned.

The first search returned 4 records: a cattle study, a case report of atrial fibrillation in a bodybuilder taking anabolic steroids and bromocriptine, a French review of drug-induced hypertension, and the seized-product analysis on this page. The second returned 3 records: a 1964 breast cancer hormone-therapy report, a sheep study, and a 1989 study of 76 male hemodialysis patients in which the 23 taking anabolic steroids (mepitiostane or nandrolone decanoate) had lower testosterone but no significant difference in prolactin. The third returned 22 records on prolactinomas or other true hyperprolactinemia (one in a dog), none in steroid users. No record tested cabergoline for gynecomastia, galactorrhea, libido or erections in steroid users, and none isolated an effect of trenbolone or nandrolone on prolactin in men.

Participants / model
Records returned, not a population
Treatment
Not applicable
Follow-up
Searches run on 9 October 2026
Study design
Literature search
Funding
not stated in the source

A search result shows what PubMed returned on that date. It is not proof that no unindexed study exists.

Read the original source
30 steroid users versus 30 non-users: prolactin higher in users, compounds unverified

Human study

Qasim Ali L et al. Steroids. 2024;209:109465. PMID 38945388.

Serum prolactin was notably higher in users, testosterone and FSH were lower, and LH and estradiol did not differ. The abstract gives no prolactin values, no breakdown by compound, and no data on gynecomastia, galactorrhea or cabergoline.

Participants / model
30 male anabolic steroid users and 30 non-using athletes aged 20 to 37
Treatment
Self-reported mixed anabolic steroids, compounds unverified
Follow-up
Cross-sectional
Study design
Cross-sectional comparison
Funding
not stated in the source

It did not isolate any single compound such as trenbolone or nandrolone.

Read the original source
63 seized products, 2020 to 2024: 34.9% lacked the declared ingredient

Regulatory record

Blazewicz A et al. Front Chem. 2025;13:1536858. PMID 40177353.

Of 63 seized products sold for post-cycle therapy and labeled as SERMs, aromatase inhibitors or other agents including hCG, cabergoline and mesterolone, 34.9% did not contain the declared active ingredient (20.6% contained no active ingredient and 14.3% a different one), and 6.4% contained an extra undeclared ingredient. Per-drug results are not given in the abstract.

Participants / model
Seized products, not a clinical population (63 of 601 samples)
Treatment
Illegal post-cycle therapy products as seized
Follow-up
Products seized 2020 to 2024
Study design
Official laboratory product analysis
Funding
not stated in the source

A gray-market product may not be the drug tested in the studies on this page.

Read the original source

How does cabergoline work, and what does the body do with it?

Cabergoline is an ergot derivative and dopamine receptor agonist with high affinity for D2 receptors. In the label's PK data, peak levels came 2 to 3 hours after a dose and the elimination half-life estimated from urinary data was 63 to 69 hours.

The label describes an ergot derivative and dopamine receptor agonist with high affinity for D2 receptors. In the label's trials in women, normal prolactin was reached by 74% to 95% on the effective doses. In the 10-man crossover, the effects on self-rated sexual drive disappeared when prolactin was raised again with intravenous protirelin.

In the label, peak levels came 2 to 3 hours after a dose, and the elimination half-life estimated from urinary data was 63 to 69 hours.

Cabergoline label, version effective 30 June 2026: indication, warnings, adverse reactions, PK

FDA prescribing information

DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Cabergoline oral tablets, prescribing information, label version effective 30 June 2026. Set ID e497366b-a124-4d7f-bd45-a883c392d4bb.

The label covers hyperprolactinemic disorders, idiopathic or due to pituitary adenomas, in adults. An echocardiogram is required before starting, cabergoline must not be given if valvular disease is found, and periodic echocardiograms are advised during treatment. It is contraindicated in uncontrolled hypertension, ergot hypersensitivity, valvular disorders or pericardial fibrosis, and pleural, pulmonary or retroperitoneal fibrosis. Postmarketing valvulopathy has occurred mostly at doses above 2 mg a day for Parkinson's disease (an unapproved use) but also at lower doses for hyperprolactinemia; in a 12-year retrospective Parkinson's cohort, cardiac valve regurgitation occurred at 68 per 10,000 person-years on cabergoline versus 10 on non-ergot dopamine agonists and 11 on levodopa. Other warnings cover orthostatic hypotension, avoiding use to suppress postpartum lactation, and impulse control disorders including new or increased sexual urges. In the 4-week placebo-controlled trial, nausea (27% versus 20%), headache (26% versus 25%) and dizziness (15% versus 5%) were most common. Peak levels came 2 to 3 hours after a dose, and the elimination half-life estimated from urinary data was 63 to 69 hours. The label describes an ergot derivative and dopamine receptor agonist with high affinity for D2 receptors.

Participants / model
Adults with hyperprolactinemic disorders; healthy subjects for PK; Parkinson's disease cohort for valve data
Treatment
Cabergoline oral tablets
Follow-up
Label version effective 30 June 2026
Study design
FDA prescribing information
Funding
not stated in the source

The label's clinical studies were all in women. The impulse-control warning (new or increased sexual urges) sits next to the sexual-function claims on this page.

Read the original source
Cabergoline label trials: 647 women, normal prolactin 95% at the top dose versus 0% on placebo

FDA prescribing information

DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Cabergoline oral tablets, prescribing information, label version effective 30 June 2026. Set ID e497366b-a124-4d7f-bd45-a883c392d4bb. Clinical studies section.

The label's efficacy data come from 647 women with hyperprolactinemic disorders. In a 4-week placebo-controlled dose-response trial in 188 women, normal prolactin was reached by 0% on placebo and by 76%, 74% and 95% on the three effective cabergoline doses. In an 8-week double-blind trial in hyperprolactinemic amenorrhea, cabergoline (223 women) versus bromocriptine (236) normalized prolactin in 77% versus 59%, restored menses in 77% versus 70% and resolved galactorrhea in 73% versus 56%; attrition was 46% and 43%. Durability beyond 24 months has not been established.

Participants / model
647 women with hyperprolactinemic disorders
Treatment
Oral cabergoline; bromocriptine comparator
Follow-up
4 weeks and 8 weeks
Study design
Randomized trials reported in the label
Funding
not stated in the source

All label trials were in women. They do not describe men or steroid users.

Read the original source
10 healthy men, one dose: self-rated sexual drive and function up, gone when prolactin raised

Human study

Krüger TH et al. J Endocrinol. 2003;179(3):357-65. PMID 14656205.

One cabergoline dose lowered prolactin and enhanced self-rated sexual drive (P < 0.05), sexual function (P < 0.01) and positive perception of the refractory period (P < 0.01) during film-induced arousal and masturbation. The effects disappeared when prolactin was raised again with intravenous protirelin.

Participants / model
10 healthy men
Treatment
Single oral dose of cabergoline 0.5 mg, intravenous protirelin, or placebo
Follow-up
Single dose
Study design
Single-blind placebo-controlled crossover study
Funding
not stated in the source

This is the closest test of the libido and orgasm claim in healthy men: one dose, 10 men, single-blind.

Read the original source

What risks does cabergoline carry, especially for the heart valves?

The label warns of heart valve disease and requires an echocardiogram before starting. Valve regurgitation was clearly raised at Parkinson's doses, and at hyperprolactinemia doses a meta-analysis found more tricuspid regurgitation (OR 3.74, 95% CI 1.79 to 7.8) of unclear clinical significance.

The label requires an echocardiogram before starting, says cabergoline must not be given if valvular disease is found, and advises periodic echocardiograms during treatment. It is contraindicated in uncontrolled hypertension, ergot hypersensitivity, valvular disorders or pericardial fibrosis, and pleural, pulmonary or retroperitoneal fibrosis. Postmarketing valvulopathy has occurred mostly at doses above 2 mg a day for Parkinson's disease, an unapproved use, but also at lower doses for hyperprolactinemia.

In a 12-year retrospective Parkinson's cohort in the label, cardiac valve regurgitation occurred at 68 per 10,000 person-years on cabergoline versus 10 on non-ergot dopamine agonists and 11 on levodopa. In an echocardiography study of 155 patients taking dopamine agonists for Parkinson's disease and 90 controls, clinically important (moderate to severe) regurgitation of any valve occurred in 28.6% on cabergoline (49 patients) and 23.4% on pergolide, versus 0% on non-ergot agonists and 5.6% of controls, and patients with grade 3 to 4 regurgitation had received higher cumulative doses.

A meta-analysis of 13 case-control studies of patients treated with cabergoline for at least 6 months for hyperprolactinemia found more tricuspid regurgitation than in controls (OR 3.74, 95% CI 1.79 to 7.8), no significant increase in any other valvulopathy, and no case of tricuspid dysfunction diagnosed from symptoms. The authors call the clinical significance unclear.

The label also warns of orthostatic hypotension, of avoiding use to suppress postpartum lactation, and of impulse control disorders including new or increased sexual urges. In the 4-week placebo-controlled trial, nausea (27% versus 20%), headache (26% versus 25%) and dizziness (15% versus 5%) were most common. Product identity is a separate concern: 34.9% of 63 seized post-cycle therapy products did not contain the declared active ingredient.

Cabergoline label, version effective 30 June 2026: indication, warnings, adverse reactions, PK

FDA prescribing information

DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Cabergoline oral tablets, prescribing information, label version effective 30 June 2026. Set ID e497366b-a124-4d7f-bd45-a883c392d4bb.

The label covers hyperprolactinemic disorders, idiopathic or due to pituitary adenomas, in adults. An echocardiogram is required before starting, cabergoline must not be given if valvular disease is found, and periodic echocardiograms are advised during treatment. It is contraindicated in uncontrolled hypertension, ergot hypersensitivity, valvular disorders or pericardial fibrosis, and pleural, pulmonary or retroperitoneal fibrosis. Postmarketing valvulopathy has occurred mostly at doses above 2 mg a day for Parkinson's disease (an unapproved use) but also at lower doses for hyperprolactinemia; in a 12-year retrospective Parkinson's cohort, cardiac valve regurgitation occurred at 68 per 10,000 person-years on cabergoline versus 10 on non-ergot dopamine agonists and 11 on levodopa. Other warnings cover orthostatic hypotension, avoiding use to suppress postpartum lactation, and impulse control disorders including new or increased sexual urges. In the 4-week placebo-controlled trial, nausea (27% versus 20%), headache (26% versus 25%) and dizziness (15% versus 5%) were most common. Peak levels came 2 to 3 hours after a dose, and the elimination half-life estimated from urinary data was 63 to 69 hours. The label describes an ergot derivative and dopamine receptor agonist with high affinity for D2 receptors.

Participants / model
Adults with hyperprolactinemic disorders; healthy subjects for PK; Parkinson's disease cohort for valve data
Treatment
Cabergoline oral tablets
Follow-up
Label version effective 30 June 2026
Study design
FDA prescribing information
Funding
not stated in the source

The label's clinical studies were all in women. The impulse-control warning (new or increased sexual urges) sits next to the sexual-function claims on this page.

Read the original source
155 Parkinson's patients and 90 controls: valve regurgitation 28.6% on cabergoline

Human study

Zanettini R et al. N Engl J Med. 2007;356(1):39-46. PMID 17202454.

Clinically important (moderate to severe) regurgitation of any valve occurred in 28.6% on cabergoline (49 patients) and 23.4% on pergolide, versus 0% on non-ergot agonists and 5.6% of controls. Patients with grade 3 to 4 regurgitation had received higher cumulative doses.

Participants / model
155 patients with Parkinson's disease on dopamine agonists and 90 controls
Treatment
Oral pergolide, cabergoline or non-ergot dopamine agonists at Parkinson's doses
Follow-up
Not stated in the abstract
Study design
Echocardiographic prevalence study
Funding
not stated in the source

These patients took Parkinson's doses; the label ties most valvulopathy reports to doses above 2 mg a day.

Read the original source
Meta-analysis of 13 studies: more tricuspid regurgitation, OR 3.74, clinical significance unclear

Systematic review and meta-analysis

Stiles CE et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018. PMID 30215804.

Patients treated with cabergoline for at least 6 months had more tricuspid regurgitation than controls (OR 3.74, 95% CI 1.79 to 7.8), no significant increase in any other valvulopathy, and no case of tricuspid dysfunction diagnosed from symptoms. The authors call the clinical significance unclear.

Participants / model
Patients with hyperprolactinemia treated for 6 months or more, 13 case-control studies
Treatment
Oral cabergoline at hyperprolactinemia doses
Follow-up
6 months or more
Study design
Meta-analysis of case-control studies
Funding
not stated in the source

Applies to hyperprolactinemia doses, not Parkinson's doses.

Read the original source
63 seized products, 2020 to 2024: 34.9% lacked the declared ingredient

Regulatory record

Blazewicz A et al. Front Chem. 2025;13:1536858. PMID 40177353.

Of 63 seized products sold for post-cycle therapy and labeled as SERMs, aromatase inhibitors or other agents including hCG, cabergoline and mesterolone, 34.9% did not contain the declared active ingredient (20.6% contained no active ingredient and 14.3% a different one), and 6.4% contained an extra undeclared ingredient. Per-drug results are not given in the abstract.

Participants / model
Seized products, not a clinical population (63 of 601 samples)
Treatment
Illegal post-cycle therapy products as seized
Follow-up
Products seized 2020 to 2024
Study design
Official laboratory product analysis
Funding
not stated in the source

A gray-market product may not be the drug tested in the studies on this page.

Read the original source

Why does cabergoline sit in A tier?

The A rests on an FDA approval since 1996 and randomized trials in women with hyperprolactinemia. Prolactin control on nandrolone or trenbolone and use for libido or orgasm sit outside that population, and no study found tests them in steroid users.

The A applies to the labeled use in hyperprolactinemic disorders, where normal prolactin was reached by 95% at the top dose versus 0% on placebo and by 77% versus 59% against bromocriptine. Its main documented risk is fibrotic heart valve disease, clear at Parkinson's doses and seen as more tricuspid regurgitation of unclear significance at hyperprolactinemia doses, which is why the label requires an echocardiogram.

The supplier claim is weak. No study found tested cabergoline in steroid users, the idea that trenbolone or nandrolone raise prolactin rests on small cross-sectional data that did not isolate any compound, and the sexual-function evidence in men without known hyperprolactinemia is one single-dose study in 10 men, one 50-man trial without reported effect sizes, and a chart review with no control group. Restoring erections is documented only in men with true hyperprolactinemia.

Cabergoline label, version effective 30 June 2026: indication, warnings, adverse reactions, PK

FDA prescribing information

DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Cabergoline oral tablets, prescribing information, label version effective 30 June 2026. Set ID e497366b-a124-4d7f-bd45-a883c392d4bb.

The label covers hyperprolactinemic disorders, idiopathic or due to pituitary adenomas, in adults. An echocardiogram is required before starting, cabergoline must not be given if valvular disease is found, and periodic echocardiograms are advised during treatment. It is contraindicated in uncontrolled hypertension, ergot hypersensitivity, valvular disorders or pericardial fibrosis, and pleural, pulmonary or retroperitoneal fibrosis. Postmarketing valvulopathy has occurred mostly at doses above 2 mg a day for Parkinson's disease (an unapproved use) but also at lower doses for hyperprolactinemia; in a 12-year retrospective Parkinson's cohort, cardiac valve regurgitation occurred at 68 per 10,000 person-years on cabergoline versus 10 on non-ergot dopamine agonists and 11 on levodopa. Other warnings cover orthostatic hypotension, avoiding use to suppress postpartum lactation, and impulse control disorders including new or increased sexual urges. In the 4-week placebo-controlled trial, nausea (27% versus 20%), headache (26% versus 25%) and dizziness (15% versus 5%) were most common. Peak levels came 2 to 3 hours after a dose, and the elimination half-life estimated from urinary data was 63 to 69 hours. The label describes an ergot derivative and dopamine receptor agonist with high affinity for D2 receptors.

Participants / model
Adults with hyperprolactinemic disorders; healthy subjects for PK; Parkinson's disease cohort for valve data
Treatment
Cabergoline oral tablets
Follow-up
Label version effective 30 June 2026
Study design
FDA prescribing information
Funding
not stated in the source

The label's clinical studies were all in women. The impulse-control warning (new or increased sexual urges) sits next to the sexual-function claims on this page.

Read the original source
Cabergoline label trials: 647 women, normal prolactin 95% at the top dose versus 0% on placebo

FDA prescribing information

DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Cabergoline oral tablets, prescribing information, label version effective 30 June 2026. Set ID e497366b-a124-4d7f-bd45-a883c392d4bb. Clinical studies section.

The label's efficacy data come from 647 women with hyperprolactinemic disorders. In a 4-week placebo-controlled dose-response trial in 188 women, normal prolactin was reached by 0% on placebo and by 76%, 74% and 95% on the three effective cabergoline doses. In an 8-week double-blind trial in hyperprolactinemic amenorrhea, cabergoline (223 women) versus bromocriptine (236) normalized prolactin in 77% versus 59%, restored menses in 77% versus 70% and resolved galactorrhea in 73% versus 56%; attrition was 46% and 43%. Durability beyond 24 months has not been established.

Participants / model
647 women with hyperprolactinemic disorders
Treatment
Oral cabergoline; bromocriptine comparator
Follow-up
4 weeks and 8 weeks
Study design
Randomized trials reported in the label
Funding
not stated in the source

All label trials were in women. They do not describe men or steroid users.

Read the original source
51 men with prolactinomas: erections normalized with prolactin

Human study

De Rosa M et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004;89(2):621-5. PMID 14764772.

Fewer than three erectile events per night on nocturnal penile tumescence testing were found in 96.7% of the men, versus 13.7% of 51 healthy controls. After 6 months of cabergoline, prolactin normalized in 74.5% and testosterone in 68.6%, and nocturnal tumescence normalized in 60.6% of men whose prolactin normalized versus 7.7% of those whose prolactin did not.

Participants / model
51 consecutive men with prolactinomas (41 macro, 10 micro) and 51 healthy controls
Treatment
Oral cabergoline; dose not given in the abstract
Follow-up
6 months
Study design
Open longitudinal study
Funding
not stated in the source

This supports restoring erections when prolactin is truly high. It is not evidence in men with normal prolactin.

Read the original source
30 steroid users versus 30 non-users: prolactin higher in users, compounds unverified

Human study

Qasim Ali L et al. Steroids. 2024;209:109465. PMID 38945388.

Serum prolactin was notably higher in users, testosterone and FSH were lower, and LH and estradiol did not differ. The abstract gives no prolactin values, no breakdown by compound, and no data on gynecomastia, galactorrhea or cabergoline.

Participants / model
30 male anabolic steroid users and 30 non-using athletes aged 20 to 37
Treatment
Self-reported mixed anabolic steroids, compounds unverified
Follow-up
Cross-sectional
Study design
Cross-sectional comparison
Funding
not stated in the source

It did not isolate any single compound such as trenbolone or nandrolone.

Read the original source
Three PubMed searches, 9 October 2026: none tested cabergoline in steroid users

PubMed search record

PubMed searches run on 9 October 2026: (1) (cabergoline[tiab] OR dopamine agonist*[tiab] OR bromocriptine[tiab]) AND (nandrolone[tiab] OR trenbolone[tiab] OR anabolic steroid*[tiab] OR anabolic-androgenic[tiab] OR anabolic androgenic[tiab] OR bodybuild*[tiab]); (2) (nandrolone[tiab] OR trenbolone[tiab]) AND prolactin[tiab] AND (men[tiab] OR male[tiab] OR human[tiab] OR humans[mh] OR athletes[tiab] OR volunteers[tiab]); (3) cabergoline AND (gynecomastia OR gynaecomastia). 4, 3 and 22 records returned.

The first search returned 4 records: a cattle study, a case report of atrial fibrillation in a bodybuilder taking anabolic steroids and bromocriptine, a French review of drug-induced hypertension, and the seized-product analysis on this page. The second returned 3 records: a 1964 breast cancer hormone-therapy report, a sheep study, and a 1989 study of 76 male hemodialysis patients in which the 23 taking anabolic steroids (mepitiostane or nandrolone decanoate) had lower testosterone but no significant difference in prolactin. The third returned 22 records on prolactinomas or other true hyperprolactinemia (one in a dog), none in steroid users. No record tested cabergoline for gynecomastia, galactorrhea, libido or erections in steroid users, and none isolated an effect of trenbolone or nandrolone on prolactin in men.

Participants / model
Records returned, not a population
Treatment
Not applicable
Follow-up
Searches run on 9 October 2026
Study design
Literature search
Funding
not stated in the source

A search result shows what PubMed returned on that date. It is not proof that no unindexed study exists.

Read the original source

Studies and sources

Cabergoline label, version effective 30 June 2026: indication, warnings, adverse reactions, PK

FDA prescribing information

DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Cabergoline oral tablets, prescribing information, label version effective 30 June 2026. Set ID e497366b-a124-4d7f-bd45-a883c392d4bb.

The label covers hyperprolactinemic disorders, idiopathic or due to pituitary adenomas, in adults. An echocardiogram is required before starting, cabergoline must not be given if valvular disease is found, and periodic echocardiograms are advised during treatment. It is contraindicated in uncontrolled hypertension, ergot hypersensitivity, valvular disorders or pericardial fibrosis, and pleural, pulmonary or retroperitoneal fibrosis. Postmarketing valvulopathy has occurred mostly at doses above 2 mg a day for Parkinson's disease (an unapproved use) but also at lower doses for hyperprolactinemia; in a 12-year retrospective Parkinson's cohort, cardiac valve regurgitation occurred at 68 per 10,000 person-years on cabergoline versus 10 on non-ergot dopamine agonists and 11 on levodopa. Other warnings cover orthostatic hypotension, avoiding use to suppress postpartum lactation, and impulse control disorders including new or increased sexual urges. In the 4-week placebo-controlled trial, nausea (27% versus 20%), headache (26% versus 25%) and dizziness (15% versus 5%) were most common. Peak levels came 2 to 3 hours after a dose, and the elimination half-life estimated from urinary data was 63 to 69 hours. The label describes an ergot derivative and dopamine receptor agonist with high affinity for D2 receptors.

Participants / model
Adults with hyperprolactinemic disorders; healthy subjects for PK; Parkinson's disease cohort for valve data
Treatment
Cabergoline oral tablets
Follow-up
Label version effective 30 June 2026
Study design
FDA prescribing information
Funding
not stated in the source

The label's clinical studies were all in women. The impulse-control warning (new or increased sexual urges) sits next to the sexual-function claims on this page.

Read the original source
Cabergoline label trials: 647 women, normal prolactin 95% at the top dose versus 0% on placebo

FDA prescribing information

DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Cabergoline oral tablets, prescribing information, label version effective 30 June 2026. Set ID e497366b-a124-4d7f-bd45-a883c392d4bb. Clinical studies section.

The label's efficacy data come from 647 women with hyperprolactinemic disorders. In a 4-week placebo-controlled dose-response trial in 188 women, normal prolactin was reached by 0% on placebo and by 76%, 74% and 95% on the three effective cabergoline doses. In an 8-week double-blind trial in hyperprolactinemic amenorrhea, cabergoline (223 women) versus bromocriptine (236) normalized prolactin in 77% versus 59%, restored menses in 77% versus 70% and resolved galactorrhea in 73% versus 56%; attrition was 46% and 43%. Durability beyond 24 months has not been established.

Participants / model
647 women with hyperprolactinemic disorders
Treatment
Oral cabergoline; bromocriptine comparator
Follow-up
4 weeks and 8 weeks
Study design
Randomized trials reported in the label
Funding
not stated in the source

All label trials were in women. They do not describe men or steroid users.

Read the original source
Drugs@FDA: DOSTINEX approved 23 December 1996, generics from 29 December 2005

Regulatory record

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Drugs@FDA application record for NDA 020664 (DOSTINEX), with generic cabergoline applications. Dates read from the openFDA Drugs@FDA records.

FDA approved DOSTINEX under NDA 020664 on 23 December 1996 (Pfizer); generic cabergoline applications followed from 29 December 2005. A query by the DOSTINEX brand name returned no record, and the application appeared under the generic-name query.

Participants / model
Not a clinical population
Treatment
Drug applications
Follow-up
Approvals from 1996
Study design
FDA application records
Funding
not stated in the source

These records give approval dates and applicants. Indications come from the product label.

Read the original source
51 men with prolactinomas: erections normalized with prolactin

Human study

De Rosa M et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004;89(2):621-5. PMID 14764772.

Fewer than three erectile events per night on nocturnal penile tumescence testing were found in 96.7% of the men, versus 13.7% of 51 healthy controls. After 6 months of cabergoline, prolactin normalized in 74.5% and testosterone in 68.6%, and nocturnal tumescence normalized in 60.6% of men whose prolactin normalized versus 7.7% of those whose prolactin did not.

Participants / model
51 consecutive men with prolactinomas (41 macro, 10 micro) and 51 healthy controls
Treatment
Oral cabergoline; dose not given in the abstract
Follow-up
6 months
Study design
Open longitudinal study
Funding
not stated in the source

This supports restoring erections when prolactin is truly high. It is not evidence in men with normal prolactin.

Read the original source
155 Parkinson's patients and 90 controls: valve regurgitation 28.6% on cabergoline

Human study

Zanettini R et al. N Engl J Med. 2007;356(1):39-46. PMID 17202454.

Clinically important (moderate to severe) regurgitation of any valve occurred in 28.6% on cabergoline (49 patients) and 23.4% on pergolide, versus 0% on non-ergot agonists and 5.6% of controls. Patients with grade 3 to 4 regurgitation had received higher cumulative doses.

Participants / model
155 patients with Parkinson's disease on dopamine agonists and 90 controls
Treatment
Oral pergolide, cabergoline or non-ergot dopamine agonists at Parkinson's doses
Follow-up
Not stated in the abstract
Study design
Echocardiographic prevalence study
Funding
not stated in the source

These patients took Parkinson's doses; the label ties most valvulopathy reports to doses above 2 mg a day.

Read the original source
Meta-analysis of 13 studies: more tricuspid regurgitation, OR 3.74, clinical significance unclear

Systematic review and meta-analysis

Stiles CE et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018. PMID 30215804.

Patients treated with cabergoline for at least 6 months had more tricuspid regurgitation than controls (OR 3.74, 95% CI 1.79 to 7.8), no significant increase in any other valvulopathy, and no case of tricuspid dysfunction diagnosed from symptoms. The authors call the clinical significance unclear.

Participants / model
Patients with hyperprolactinemia treated for 6 months or more, 13 case-control studies
Treatment
Oral cabergoline at hyperprolactinemia doses
Follow-up
6 months or more
Study design
Meta-analysis of case-control studies
Funding
not stated in the source

Applies to hyperprolactinemia doses, not Parkinson's doses.

Read the original source
10 healthy men, one dose: self-rated sexual drive and function up, gone when prolactin raised

Human study

Krüger TH et al. J Endocrinol. 2003;179(3):357-65. PMID 14656205.

One cabergoline dose lowered prolactin and enhanced self-rated sexual drive (P < 0.05), sexual function (P < 0.01) and positive perception of the refractory period (P < 0.01) during film-induced arousal and masturbation. The effects disappeared when prolactin was raised again with intravenous protirelin.

Participants / model
10 healthy men
Treatment
Single oral dose of cabergoline 0.5 mg, intravenous protirelin, or placebo
Follow-up
Single dose
Study design
Single-blind placebo-controlled crossover study
Funding
not stated in the source

This is the closest test of the libido and orgasm claim in healthy men: one dose, 10 men, single-blind.

Read the original source
50 men with psychogenic ED, 4 months: improvement reported without effect sizes

Randomized controlled trial

Nickel M et al. Int J Impot Res. 2007;19(1):104-7. PMID 16728967.

The abstract reports significant improvement in erectile function and enhanced desire, orgasmic function, and patient and partner satisfaction on cabergoline, with hormone levels normalizing in most cases. It gives no effect sizes, and baseline prolactin status is not stated.

Participants / model
50 men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction
Treatment
Oral cabergoline or placebo; dose not given in the abstract
Follow-up
4 months
Study design
Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Funding
not stated in the source

The abstract gives no effect sizes or baseline prolactin, so it cannot be compared with the label trials.

Read the original source
131 men, retrospective chart review: 66.4% reported improved orgasm, no control group

Human study

Hollander AB et al. Sex Med. 2016;4(1):e28-33. PMID 26944776.

87 of 131 men (66.4%) reported subjective improvement in orgasm. Longer treatment and concurrent testosterone therapy were associated with response. There was no control group, and the authors call for randomized trials.

Participants / model
131 men with delayed orgasm or anorgasmia at one andrology clinic
Treatment
Oral cabergoline
Follow-up
Not stated in the abstract
Study design
Retrospective chart review
Funding
not stated in the source

No control group, so improvement cannot be separated from other causes.

Read the original source
30 steroid users versus 30 non-users: prolactin higher in users, compounds unverified

Human study

Qasim Ali L et al. Steroids. 2024;209:109465. PMID 38945388.

Serum prolactin was notably higher in users, testosterone and FSH were lower, and LH and estradiol did not differ. The abstract gives no prolactin values, no breakdown by compound, and no data on gynecomastia, galactorrhea or cabergoline.

Participants / model
30 male anabolic steroid users and 30 non-using athletes aged 20 to 37
Treatment
Self-reported mixed anabolic steroids, compounds unverified
Follow-up
Cross-sectional
Study design
Cross-sectional comparison
Funding
not stated in the source

It did not isolate any single compound such as trenbolone or nandrolone.

Read the original source
Three PubMed searches, 9 October 2026: none tested cabergoline in steroid users

PubMed search record

PubMed searches run on 9 October 2026: (1) (cabergoline[tiab] OR dopamine agonist*[tiab] OR bromocriptine[tiab]) AND (nandrolone[tiab] OR trenbolone[tiab] OR anabolic steroid*[tiab] OR anabolic-androgenic[tiab] OR anabolic androgenic[tiab] OR bodybuild*[tiab]); (2) (nandrolone[tiab] OR trenbolone[tiab]) AND prolactin[tiab] AND (men[tiab] OR male[tiab] OR human[tiab] OR humans[mh] OR athletes[tiab] OR volunteers[tiab]); (3) cabergoline AND (gynecomastia OR gynaecomastia). 4, 3 and 22 records returned.

The first search returned 4 records: a cattle study, a case report of atrial fibrillation in a bodybuilder taking anabolic steroids and bromocriptine, a French review of drug-induced hypertension, and the seized-product analysis on this page. The second returned 3 records: a 1964 breast cancer hormone-therapy report, a sheep study, and a 1989 study of 76 male hemodialysis patients in which the 23 taking anabolic steroids (mepitiostane or nandrolone decanoate) had lower testosterone but no significant difference in prolactin. The third returned 22 records on prolactinomas or other true hyperprolactinemia (one in a dog), none in steroid users. No record tested cabergoline for gynecomastia, galactorrhea, libido or erections in steroid users, and none isolated an effect of trenbolone or nandrolone on prolactin in men.

Participants / model
Records returned, not a population
Treatment
Not applicable
Follow-up
Searches run on 9 October 2026
Study design
Literature search
Funding
not stated in the source

A search result shows what PubMed returned on that date. It is not proof that no unindexed study exists.

Read the original source
63 seized products, 2020 to 2024: 34.9% lacked the declared ingredient

Regulatory record

Blazewicz A et al. Front Chem. 2025;13:1536858. PMID 40177353.

Of 63 seized products sold for post-cycle therapy and labeled as SERMs, aromatase inhibitors or other agents including hCG, cabergoline and mesterolone, 34.9% did not contain the declared active ingredient (20.6% contained no active ingredient and 14.3% a different one), and 6.4% contained an extra undeclared ingredient. Per-drug results are not given in the abstract.

Participants / model
Seized products, not a clinical population (63 of 601 samples)
Treatment
Illegal post-cycle therapy products as seized
Follow-up
Products seized 2020 to 2024
Study design
Official laboratory product analysis
Funding
not stated in the source

A gray-market product may not be the drug tested in the studies on this page.

Read the original source
PubChem: cabergoline identity

Chemical identity record

National Library of Medicine. PubChem compound record CID 54746 (cabergoline).

Cabergoline: PubChem CID 54746, C26H37N5O2, 451.6 g/mol, CAS 81409-90-7. The label describes an ergot derivative and dopamine receptor agonist with high affinity for D2 receptors; the US product is a tablet of cabergoline itself, not a salt.

Participants / model
Chemical identity, not a clinical population
Treatment
Defined molecule
Follow-up
Not applicable
Study design
NLM chemical record
Funding
not stated in the source

Identity record only; it says nothing about efficacy or safety.

Read the original source

Why is Cabergoline in A tier?

A fits an approved drug promoted for an off-label use. Cabergoline has been FDA-approved since 1996 for hyperprolactinemic disorders, with randomized label trials in women. Prolactin control on steroids and use for libido sit outside that population, and the searches run on 9 October 2026 found no study in steroid users.