Tolvaptan (other name Samsca)

Common use

Samsca is an oral tablet that reduces the level of a hormone that regulates the balance of water and salt (sodium) in the body. High levels of this hormone can cause an imbalance that results in low sodium levels and fluid retention. Samsca is used to treat hyponatremia (low levels of sodium in your blood) in people with heart failure, and certain hormonal imbalances. Samsca improves urine flow without causing the body to lose too much sodium as you urinate.

Dosage and direction

Take Samsca tablets exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Drink plenty of fluids while taking Samsca, but do not drink grapefruit juice or alcoholic drinks. You may take the tablet with or without food. Samsca is usually taken once per day. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Precautions

To make sure Samsca is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: kidney disease or urination problems; liver problems; allergies; if you drink large amounts of alcohol; if you are malnourished; or if you also use desmopressin (dDAVP), or a diuretic or "water pill."
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Contraindications

You should not use Samsca if you are allergic to tolvaptan, or if: you are unable to urinate; you are unable to tell that you are thirsty; or you are severely dehydrated and feel like you might pass out.
You should not take Samsca if your sodium level needs to be increased quickly.
You should not breastfeed while using Samsca.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Samsca: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have: weakness, confusion, or a light-headed feeling (like you might pass out); irregular heartbeats; unexplained weight loss; dehydration symptoms - feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin; or liver problems - right-sided upper stomach pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever, itching, yellowing of your skin or eyes, not feeling well.
Common Samsca side effects may include: dry mouth; increased thirst or urination; hunger, fruity breath odor; constipation; or weakness.

Drug interaction

Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with Samsca. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use: nefazodone; an antibiotic - clarithromycin, telithromycin; antifungal medicine - itraconazole, ketoconazole; or HIV/AIDS medication - indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir.

Missed dose

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others.