medication later?
Usually not. These medications control the tumor, they do not destroy the tumor. The medications are only effective as long as they are taken. If the medication is stopped, the prolactin will usually increase and the tumor will also increase in size. This is similar to a person who has high blood pressure – the blood pressure is controlled only as long as the person takes the medication. Thus, medication for a prolactin producing tumor must be taken as prescribed, to control the problem. In the situation of a very small tumor (< 10 mm), the medication is often stopped after a year to see if the prolactin stays normal. In a minority of patients, this is successful and the prolactin remains normal. The possible reason for this is that the small tumor has somehow self-destructed (this occurs in a few patients). If the prolactin is normal after stopping the medication, the level should be monitored every few months to make sure it remains normal.
