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Cycloset Coupon - Cycloset 0.8mg tablet

Cycloset

bromocriptine
Used for Diabetes Type 2
Used for Diabetes Type 2

Cycloset, the brand name for bromocriptine, is used along with a nutritious diet and exercise plan to improve blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. But it isn't a first-choice treatment option. Cycloset (bromocriptine) is a type of medication called a dopamine agonist. It comes as tablets that are taken by mouth once per day (within 2 hours of waking up). Side effects include nausea, headache, and sleepiness.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on January 27, 2025
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Cycloset (bromocriptine)?

What is Cycloset (bromocriptine) used for?

How Cycloset (bromocriptine) works

Cycloset (bromocriptine) is a type of ergot derivative. It's also known as a dopamine agonist.

The medication works by turning on dopamine receptors in the brain and nervous system. It helps improve your body's response to insulin. This helps lower blood sugar levels after the meals you eat during the day.

Are you looking for information on bromocriptine (Parlodel) for Parkinson's disease instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsCycloset
Drug ClassDopamine agonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$406.13(save 20.46%)
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$323.05
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What are the side effects of Cycloset (bromocriptine)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea (33%)
  • Stuffy nose (14%)
  • Headache (13%)
  • Dizziness (13%)
  • Weakness or low energy (13%)
  • Constipation (11%)
  • Sinus infection (10%)

Other Side Effects

  • Diarrhea
  • Indigestion
  • Vomiting
  • Low appetite
  • Lazy eye
  • Infection
  • Low blood sugar levels

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Low blood pressure: tiredness, severe dizziness, fainting
  • Severely low blood sugar: feeling dizzy or faint, shakiness, feeling confused, feeling irritable or anxious, sweating, extreme hunger, can't think clearly

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Blurred vision

chest pain or discomfort

difficulty in speaking

dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

double vision

feeling, seeing, or hearing things that are not there

feeling that others are watching you or controlling your behavior

feeling that others can hear your thoughts

headache

inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles

inability to speak

nausea

nervousness

pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck

pounding in the ears

severe mood or mental changes

slow or fast heartbeat

slow speech

sweating

trouble breathing

unusual behavior

vomiting

Less common—reported more often in patients with Parkinson's disease

Confusion

uncontrolled movements of the body, such as the face, tongue, arms, hands, head, and upper body

Rare—reported more often in patients taking large doses

Increased frequency of urination

loss of appetite, continuing

lower back pain

runny nose, continuing

stomach pain, continuing or severe

weakness

Rare

Black, tarry stools

bloody vomit

fainting

nausea

nervousness

seizures

sudden weakness

temporary blindness

unusual headache

vomiting, continuing or severe

Incidence not known

Agitation

anxiety

blue or pale skin

chest pain, possibly moving to the left arm, neck, or shoulder

chills

difficulty in speaking

double vision

false beliefs that cannot be changed by facts

fever

headache

high fever

high or low blood pressure

inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles

inability to speak

increased frequency of urination

loss of bladder control

lower back pain

severe muscle stiffness

trouble breathing

unusual tiredness or weakness

unusually pale skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Constipation

diarrhea

drowsiness or tiredness

dry mouth

leg cramps at night

loss of appetite

mental depression

stomach pain

stuffy nose

tingling or pain in the fingers and toes when exposed to cold temperatures

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Cycloset (bromocriptine)

thumbs-up

Pros

Taken once a day

Helps your body use insulin better

Can take with other diabetes medications

thumbs-down

Cons

Typically need to take more than 1 tablet for each dose

Not a first-choice treatment for Type 2 diabetes

Risk of unpleasant side effects, like impulsive behavior and hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real)

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Cycloset (bromocriptine)

pharmacist

  • Take Cycloset (bromocriptine) within 2 hours after you wake up in the morning. Taking the medication at this specific time will help it work as best as it can to control your blood sugar.

    • If you miss the recommended time to take Cycloset (bromocriptine) or if you forget to take it, skip the missed dose. Then, take your usual dose the next morning at your usual time. Don't double-up on the dose to make up for the missed dose.

      • Take Cycloset (bromocriptine) with food. Since nausea is a common side effect, food can help lower the risk for stomach-related side effects.

        • Cycloset (bromocriptine) can make you very sleepy. Don't drive or and do other things that need your concentration if you feel sleepy. Make sure you know how this medication affects you. Let your prescriber know if you already have a problem with staying awake during the day or if you take other medications that make you sleepy.

          • Be sure to hold onto something stable when you stand up. Cycloset (bromocriptine) can make your blood pressure drop and make you feel dizzy or lose your balance when you get up from a sitting or lying position. Get medical help right away if you fall and hit your head.

            • Avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking Cycloset (bromocriptine). Alcohol can raise your risk for side effects like low blood pressure, sleepiness, and dizziness. Talk to your prescriber about ways to lessen how much you drink if you need guidance.

              • Tell your health care team about all the medications that you're taking before and during treatment with Cycloset (bromocriptine). They can review your medication list to make sure your medications are safe to take together.

                • Ask your prescriber how often you should check your blood sugar levels while you're taking Cycloset (bromocriptine). Keep track of your readings and share them with your care team so they can adjust your dose based on the patterns of your blood sugar levels.

                  • It's possible to have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) while you're taking Cycloset (bromocriptine). This can especially happen if you're also taking other diabetes medications, such as sulfonylureas like glipizide. Learn to recognize symptoms of hypoglycemia like sweating, shakiness, anxiety, and hunger and know how to treat it.

                    • Work with your care team to come up with a meal plan and exercise routine that works best for you. This will help Cycloset (bromocriptine) work as best as possible for you.

                      faqs

                      Frequently asked questions about Cycloset (bromocriptine)

                      How long should Cycloset (bromocriptine) be used for?
                      There isn't a set amount of time for how long you should take Cycloset (bromocriptine). Your prescriber will probably tell you to continue taking the medication as long as it's helping to manage your blood sugar and as long as you're not having any unbearable side effects. Depending on how well controlled your hemoglobin A1C (average blood sugar levels over a few months) is, you might be able to stop taking Cycloset (bromocriptine). Talk to your prescriber if you're not sure how long you need to take this medication.
                      Is there a generic for Cycloset (bromocriptine)?
                      No, Cycloset (bromocriptine) isn't available as a generic yet. Currently, it's only available as a brand-name medication.
                      Does Cycloset (bromocriptine) cause hair loss?
                      Hair loss wasn't a commonly reported side effect of Cycloset (bromocriptine) during clinical studies. Contact your healthcare team if you notice hair loss, hair shedding, or hair thinning while you're taking Cycloset (bromocriptine). Your care team can help figure out possible causes of the hair loss you're experiencing.
                      Does Cycloset (bromocriptine) cause weight gain?
                      Weight gain wasn't a side effect that people who took Cycloset (bromocriptine) reported during clinical studies. But some people treated with Cycloset (bromocriptine) have had intense urges and behaviors that are hard to control. An example of this type of urge can include the urge to eat at lot, which can potentially lead to weight gain. Talk to your prescriber if you notice that you've gained a concerning amount of weight since you've started taking Cycloset (bromocriptine).
                      Who should not take Cycloset (bromocriptine)?
                      You shouldn't take Cycloset (bromocriptine) if you faint when you have a migraine. This is because the medication can put you at risk of having notably low blood pressure that can lead to fainting. In addition, people who've just given birth or who are breastfeeding shouldn't take Cycloset (bromocriptine). You might have less milk production and be at serious risk for heart attack, stroke, and seizure if you take it during this time period. And you shouldn't take Cycloset (bromocriptine) if you're allergic to ergot-related medications; they belong to a similar drug class as Cycloset (bromocriptine). This medication also isn't recommended for people with severe mental health problems because it can worsen their mental health. Speak with your prescriber if you're not sure whether you can take Cycloset (bromocriptine).
                      Is Cycloset (bromocriptine) safe if you're pregnant?
                      If you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, talk to your diabetes specialist or obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN). They can discuss with you about the risks and benefits of taking Cycloset (bromocriptine) while pregnant. In general, studies haven't shown that bromocriptine has a clear risk to an unborn baby when it's taken during pregnancy. Keep in mind that there are risks to both the mother and baby with poorly controlled diabetes while pregnant. So your diabetes specialist can help suggest the best treatment options for you during pregnancy.
                      Is Cycloset (bromocriptine) safe while breastfeeding?
                      It isn't recommended to take Cycloset (bromocriptine) while you're breastfeeding because the medication lowers your milk supply. In addition, some people who took Cycloset (bromocriptine) after they've given birth had serious and life-threatening health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and psychosis. Contact your prescriber right away to discuss your options if you're planning to breastfeed.
                      What's the difference between Cycloset and Parlodel?
                      Both Cycloset and Parlodel are brand names that contain the same active ingredient, bromocriptine. But they're used for completely different medical conditions. Cycloset is an add-on treatment to a balanced diet and exercise plan for improving blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, Parlodel is used to treat medical conditions like Parkinson's disease, acromegaly, and hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin levels). Since they're used for different medical conditions, the dosage of bromocriptine for each brand name is completely different. This means that you can't substitute the brand names for each other. Speak with your prescriber to learn more about the differences between Cycloset and Parlodel.
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                      What are the risks and warnings for Cycloset (bromocriptine)?

                      Cycloset (bromocriptine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                      risk-warning

                      Low blood pressure, leading to risk of falls

                      • Risk factors: Low blood pressure | Taking blood pressure medications | Higher Cycloset (bromocriptine) dose

                        Cycloset (bromocriptine) can cause a drop in blood pressure when you stand from a sitting or lying position. This can lead to dizziness, a loss of balance, fainting, or falls. It can particularly happen when you start this and when your dose gets raised. Your prescriber will check for your risk of this side effect periodically during treatment.

                        Make sure to get up slowly and hold onto something after you sit or lie down. Contact your prescriber if you faint or have a fall while you're taking Cycloset (bromocriptine). Get checked out right away especially if you fall and hit your head to make sure you're okay.

                        risk-warning

                        Worsening mental health

                        • Risk factors: History of mental health problems (e.g., psychosis)

                          It isn't recommended for people with severe mental health problems like psychosis to take Cycloset (bromocriptine). Medications like Cycloset (bromocriptine) can worsen symptoms of mental health conditions. They can also make medications used for treating mental health conditions work less well.

                          Contact your prescriber or psychiatrist right away if you or your loved ones notice that you have any hallucinations or other unusual changes in behavior or thoughts while you're taking Cycloset (bromocriptine).

                          risk-warning

                          Intense urges

                          Some people who take medications like Cycloset (bromocriptine) can have compulsive behavior, more specifically intense urges and behaviors that are hard to control. These behaviors can include an urge to gamble, sexual urges, an urge to shop, or binge eating.

                          Let your prescriber know if you or your loved ones notice that you have new urges or habits as you take Cycloset (bromocriptine). Your prescriber might need to adjust or stop your medication to help with these urges.

                          risk-warning

                          Extreme sleepiness

                          • Risk factors: Already feeling sleepy | History of sleep problems | Taking other sedatives or medications that make you sleepy | Drinking alcohol

                            Cycloset (bromocriptine) can make you sleepy, especially when you first start taking the medication. This sleepiness might go away as you continue treatment. But it can feel more intense if you're also taking other medications that can cause drowsiness, like benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, and sleep medications.

                            Don't drive drive a car or do activities that need your full attention until you know how Cycloset (bromocriptine) affects you. Talk to your prescriber if you feel too sleepy or fall asleep without warning after you take Cycloset (bromocriptine).

                            risk-warning

                            Not for use after giving birth or while breastfeeding

                            • Risk factors: Heart disease

                              You can't take Cycloset (bromocriptine) if you've just given birth or if you're breastfeeding. Cycloset (bromocriptine) can stop milk production. It can also raise the risk of serious and life-threatening problems, including high blood pressure, heart attack, seizure, stroke, and psychosis. You're at higher risk if you also have a history of heart problems. Talk with your prescriber for guidance if you're breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.

                              dosage

                              Cycloset (bromocriptine) dosage forms

                              The average cost for 60 tablets of 0.8mg of Cycloset (bromocriptine) is $323.05 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 20.46% off the average retail price of $406.13.
                              tablet
                              Tablet
                              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                              0.8mg60 tablets$323.05$5.38

                              Typical dosing for Cycloset (bromocriptine)

                              Each tablet contains 0.8 mg of bromocriptine.

                              The starting dose is 1 tablet by mouth once per day, taken within 2 hours of waking up in the morning. Your prescriber will raise your dose each week by 1 tablet depending on how well Cycloset (bromocriptine) works for you. The recommended dose is 2 to 6 tablets per day.

                              interactions

                              Interactions between Cycloset (bromocriptine) and other drugs

                              Cycloset (bromocriptine) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Cycloset (bromocriptine). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                              How much does Cycloset (bromocriptine) cost?

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                              Cycloset (bromocriptine) contraindications

                              Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Cycloset (bromocriptine) will not be safe for you to take.
                              alternatives

                              What are alternatives to Cycloset (bromocriptine)?

                              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Cycloset (bromocriptine). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                              Cycloset (bromocriptine)
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                              Metformin
                              Used for:

                              • Type 2 diabetes

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                              Glipizide
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                              Cycloset (bromocriptine) images

                              White Round 9 And C - CYCLOSET 0.8mg Tablet
                              This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "C" And "9".White Round 9 And C - CYCLOSET 0.8mg Tablet

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                              References

                              Best studies we found

                              American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. (2024). 9. Pharmacologic approaches to glycemic treatment: Standards of Care in Diabetes–2025. Diabetes Care.

                              Defronzo, R. A. (2011). Bromocriptine: A sympatholytic, D2-dopamine agonist for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care.

                              Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). (2024). Bromocriptine. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

                              View All References (5)

                              Hamidianjahromi, A., et al. (2022). Impulse control disorders in hyperprolactinemic patients on dopamine agonist therapy. Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders.

                              National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Understanding psychosis.

                              Packaged by Pharma Packaging Solutions, LLC dba Tjoapack, LLC. (2020). Cycloset- bromocriptine mesylate tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              Santarus, Inc. (2025). Cycloset- bromocriptine mesylate tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              You and Your Hormones. (2021). Insulin.

                              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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