Samsca

Uses of Samsca

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.

Precautions and Warnings

You should not use Samsca if you are dehydrated or unable to urinate, or if you can’t tell when you are thirsty.

You will need to be in a hospital under observation any time you start or restart treatment.

If you have polycystic kidney disease, do not use Samsca. You should be prescribed another brand of tolvaptan (Jynarque) through a special program that ensures laboratory monitoring of your liver.

Samsca is given to treat low levels of sodium in your blood, but can be dangerous if this condition is reversed too quickly. Tell your caregivers at once if you have problems with speech or muscle control, trouble swallowing, trouble moving your arms and legs, confusion, or seizure.

Tolvaptan can cause serious or fatal liver problems. Call your doctor right away if you don’t feel well and you have right-sided upper stomach pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

You will need frequent medical tests before and during treatment with Samsca.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact, and some drugs should not be used together.

Dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Hyponatremia:

Initial dose: 15 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose: Increase the dose to 30 mg once a day, after at least 24 hours, to a maximum of 60 mg once a day, as needed to achieve the desired level of serum sodium.
Maximum dose: 60 mg once a day
Duration of therapy: Maximum of 30 days.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Dry mouth;
• Increased thirst or urination;
• Hunger, fruity breath odor;
• Constipation; or
• Weakness.

Serious Side Effects:

• Problems with speech or muscle control;
• Trouble swallowing;
• Trouble moving your arms and legs;
• Confusion, mood changes; or
• Seizure.