Cabergoline For Breast Pain

Cabergoline for the Prevention of Breast Pain

After Termination of Pregnancy

(202) 844-2004

Cabergoline is a dopamine agonist that has been shown to be effective in suppressing lactation after pregnancy termination. It works by inhibiting prolactin secretion from the pituitary gland, which is necessary for milk production. Compared to older medications, cabergoline offers advantages such as a longer half-life (7 days!), fewer side effects, and a higher success rate in preventing lactation. It is typically administered as a one-time single dose, making it a convenient option for patients.

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Cabergoline Services

Since 2018, the DuPont Clinic has been routinely offering cabergoline after pregnancy termination. Although cabergoline has been used for many years outside the US, the DuPont Clinic was the first private practice in the US to use it routinely as far as we know. Fortunately, since then, many others have adopted this practice. We use a dose of 1.0 mg, which is two tablets of 0.5 mg, given within 24 hours of the pregnancy termination. The reduction in breast symptoms over the next week is dramatic.

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Cabergoline Studies After Pregnancy

Studies have demonstrated cabergoline's efficacy in suppressing lactation following various pregnancy outcomes, including second-trimester abortion and stillbirth. A systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that cabergoline is significantly more effective than other commonly used medications like bromocriptine. However, it is essential to note that cabergoline is contraindicated in women with a history of valvular heart disease and should be used cautiously in those with hepatic impairment.

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Cabergoline's Effectiveness in Reducing Breast Symptoms After Abortion

With the encouragement of Dr. Reeves, due to a dearth of research on cabergoline in the second trimester, Dr. Andrea Henkel conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of cabergoline 1.0 mg in decreasing breast symptoms after second-trimester abortion or pregnancy loss. The study found that a single 1 mg dose of cabergoline was significantly more effective than a placebo in preventing breast symptoms, with fewer participants reporting any breast symptoms on days 3, 4, 7,and 14, the typical peak days of breast symptoms.

Cabergoline was also associated with less “bother” from breast symptoms. Side effects did not differ between the cabergoline and placebo groups. Overall, the study concluded that cabergoline is an effective and well-tolerated option for preventing breast symptoms after second-trimester abortion or pregnancy loss.

References

Neilson JP, West HM, Dowswell T. Cabergoline is superior to bromocriptine for the suppression of lactation after pregnancy termination: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BJOG. 2006 Jun;113(6):653-61. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2006.00932.x. PMID: 16640670.
World Health Organization. Medical management of abortion. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2012.
Henkel A, Johnson SA, Reeves MF, Cahill EP, Blumenthal PD, Shaw KA. Cabergoline for Lactation Inhibition After Second-Trimester Abortion or Pregnancy Loss: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2023 Jun 1;141(6):1115-1123. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000005190. PMID: 37056156.
Henkel A, Reeves MF, Shaw KA. The experience of breast symptoms after second-trimester abortion or pregnancy loss. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2024 Mar;230(3):e3-e5. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.10.025. PMID: 37874881.

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We Are Committed to creating a private, comfortable and welcoming environment for all patients.

Our clinic is located in a discreet office building in the heart of D.C. Your privacy is important to us, and each patient has their own private room. There are no waiting rooms and no lines, so you will likely never see another patient. We firmly believe that access to abortion is a right for all people regardless of the reason behind their decision. We offer a non-judgmental, compassionate, and supportive space for people to receive high quality care.

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Washington's Most Discreet Abortion Clinic

At the DuPont Clinic, we focus on you, your needs, and your care. We strive to meet the unique needs of each patient and are committed to creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for all patients. We offer amenities such as specially trained doulas, a dedicated nursing team, aromatherapy, private consultation rooms equipped with comfortable couches, TVs, and wifi, and assistance making travel and financial arrangements.