{"id":22650,"date":"2022-07-05T07:08:55","date_gmt":"2022-07-05T07:08:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/?p=22650"},"modified":"2022-07-05T10:40:02","modified_gmt":"2022-07-05T10:40:02","slug":"samsca","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/medicines\/samsca\/","title":{"rendered":"Samsca &#8211; Tolvaptan uses, dose and side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>7.5 mg tablets, 15 mg tablets, and 30 mg\u00a0tolvaptan\u00a0tablets respectively<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Samsca is and what it is used for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Samsca, which contains the active substance tolvaptan, belongs to a group of medicines called vasopressin antagonists.\u00a0Vasopressin\u00a0is a\u00a0hormone\u00a0that helps prevent fluid loss in the body by reducing the amount of urine.\u00a0Antagonist means that the drug prevents\u00a0vasopressin\u00a0from retaining water in the body.\u00a0This leads to a decrease in the amount of water in the body by increasing urine production, and as a result, it raises the level of concentration of\u00a0sodium\u00a0in the blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Samsca is used to treat low levels of serum sodium in adults.\u00a0You have been prescribed this medicine because you have a decreased level of sodium in your blood as a result of a disease called SIADH (inadequate\u00a0ADH\u00a0secretion ) in which\u00a0your\u00a0kidneys retain too much water.\u00a0This disease causes excessive production of the\u00a0hormone\u00a0et\u00a0vasopressin, which has caused the sodium levels in your blood to become too low (\u00a0hyponatremia\u00a0).\u00a0This can lead to problems with concentration and memory, or to keeping your balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What you need to know before taking Samsca<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do not use Samsca<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>if you are allergic to tolvaptan or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6) or if you are allergic to benzazepine or benzazepine derivatives (eg benazepril, conivaptan, phenoldopammesylate or mirtazapine)<\/li><li>if your kidneys do not work (no urine production)<\/li><li>if you have a disease that causes the salinity in the blood to rise (&#8220;hypernatremia&#8221;)<\/li><li>if you have a disease that is associated with a very low blood volume<\/li><li>if you do not feel like you are thirsty<\/li><li>if you are pregnant<\/li><li>if you are breastfeeding.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warnings and cautions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Samsca:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>if you can not drink enough water or if you are not allowed to drink a lot of fluids<\/li><li>if you have trouble urinating or if you have an enlarged\u00a0prostate<\/li><li>if you have liver disease<\/li><li>if you have previously had an\u00a0allergic reaction\u00a0to benzazepine, tolvaptan, or other benzazepine derivatives (eg benazepril, conivaptan, fenoldopam style or mirtazapine), or to any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6)<\/li><li>if you suffer from a kidney disease called autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD)<\/li><li>if you have\u00a0diabetes.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Drink enough water<\/strong><br>Samsca causes water loss as it increases your urine production.\u00a0This water loss can lead to\u00a0side effects, e.g.\u00a0Dry mouth\u00a0and thirst, or even more serious\u00a0side effects\u00a0are kidney problems (see section 4).\u00a0Therefore, it is important that you have access to water and that you can drink enough water when you are thirsty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Children and young people<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Samsca is not suitable for children and adolescents (under 18 years).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other medicines and Samsca<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The following medicines may increase the effect of this medicine:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>ketoconazole&nbsp;(against fungal infections)<\/li><li>macrolide antibiotics<\/li><li>diltiazem&nbsp;(treatment for high&nbsp;blood pressure&nbsp;and chest pain)<\/li><li>other products that increase the amount of salt in the blood or contain large amounts of salt.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The following medicines may reduce the effect of this medicine:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>barbiturates\u00a0(used to treat epilepsy\/seizures and certain sleep disorders),<\/li><li>rifampicin (for\u00a0tuberculosis\u00a0).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This medicine may increase the effect of the following medicines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>digoxin&nbsp;(used to treat irregular heartbeat and&nbsp;heart failure&nbsp;)<\/li><li>dabigatran etexilate (used as a blood thinner)<\/li><li>metformin&nbsp;(used to treat&nbsp;diabetes&nbsp;)<\/li><li>sulfasalazine (used to treat&nbsp;inflammatory&nbsp;bowel disease or&nbsp;rheumatoid arthritis&nbsp;).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This medicine may reduce the effect of the following medicines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>desmopressin (used to increase the blood&#8217;s ability to coagulate).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It may still be the case that you can take these medicines and Samsca together.&nbsp;Your doctor can decide what is most suitable for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Samsca with food and drink<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking Samsca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pregnancy and breastfeeding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Do not take<\/strong>\u00a0this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Adequate contraception must be used during treatment with this medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Driving and using machines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Samsca probably has no negative effect on the ability to drive and use machines.&nbsp;However, you may sometimes feel dizzy or weak, or faint for a short time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Samsca contains lactose<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to take Samsca<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you.&nbsp;Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Treatment with Samsca begins in the hospital.<\/li><li>When treating low sodium (\u00a0hyponatremia\u00a0), your doctor will start with a\u00a0dose\u00a0of 15 mg and may then increase it to a maximum of 60 mg to achieve the desired level of sodium in your blood.\u00a0Your doctor will take regular blood tests to monitor the effect of Samsca.\u00a0To achieve the desired level of sodium in the blood, the doctor may in some cases give a lower\u00a0dose\u00a0of 7.5 mg.<\/li><li>Swallow the tablet with a glass of water, without chewing.<\/li><li>Take the tablets once a day, preferably in the morning, with or without food.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you take more Samsca than you should<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have taken more tablets than your prescribed\u00a0dose,\u00a0<strong>drink plenty of water and contact your doctor or nearest hospital immediately.\u00a0<\/strong>Remember to bring the medicine pack with you so that it is clear what you have taken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you forget to take Samsca<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you forget to take your tablet, take\u00a0one\u00a0as soon as you remember the same day.\u00a0If you do not take your tablet on the same day, you should take your normal\u00a0dose\u00a0the next day.\u00a0Do not take a double\u00a0dose\u00a0to make up for a forgotten\u00a0dose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you stop taking Samsca<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you stop taking Samsca, this may cause your low sodium content to return.&nbsp;Therefore, you should only stop taking Samsca if you notice&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;that require prompt medical attention (see section 4) or if your doctor tells you to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Possible side effects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like all medicines, this medicine can cause\u00a0side effects, although not everybody gets them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you notice any of the following\u00a0side effects, you may need\u00a0urgent\u00a0medical attention.\u00a0Stop taking Samsca and contact a doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital if you:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>notice that you have difficulty urinating<\/li><li>notice that your face, lips, or tongue are swollen, you get\u00a0itching, rash all over the body, or if it hisses loudly when you breathe or you get shortness of breath (symptoms of an\u00a0allergic reaction\u00a0).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Contact a doctor if you get symptoms in the form of fatigue, loss of appetite, discomfort in the upper right part of the stomach, dark urine, or jaundice (skin or eyes yellowing).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other side effects:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Very common (may affect more than 1 user in 10)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>nausea<\/li><li>thirst<\/li><li>the rapid rise in sodium levels.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>excessive drinking of water<\/li><li>water loss<\/li><li>high levels of\u00a0sodium,\u00a0potassium,\u00a0creatinine,\u00a0uric acid,\u00a0and blood sugar<\/li><li>lowered blood sugar levels<\/li><li>decreased appetite<\/li><li>fainting<\/li><li>headache<\/li><li>dizziness<\/li><li>low\u00a0blood pressure\u00a0when you stand up<\/li><li>constipation<\/li><li>diarrhea<\/li><li>dry mouth<\/li><li>spotty bleeding in the skin<\/li><li>itching<\/li><li>increased need to urinate, or to urinate more often<\/li><li>fatigue, general weakness<\/li><li>fever<\/li><li>general malaise<\/li><li>blood in the urine<\/li><li>elevated levels of liver enzymes in the blood<\/li><li>elevated levels of\u00a0creatinine\u00a0in the blood.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>changed taste experience<\/li><li>kidney problems<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>No known frequency&nbsp;<\/strong><strong>(can not be calculated from the available data)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>allergic reactions (see above)<\/li><li>liver problem<\/li><li>acute&nbsp;liver failure<\/li><li>increase in liver enzymes.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to store Samsca<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and blister after \u201cEXP\u201d.&nbsp;The expiration date is the last day of the specified month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Store in the original package.&nbsp;Sensitive to light.&nbsp;Moisture sensitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste.&nbsp;Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required.&nbsp;These measures will help to protect the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contents of the packaging and other information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Content declaration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The active substance is tolvaptan.One Samsca 7.5 mg tablet contains 7.5 mg tolvaptan.One Samsca 15 mg tablet contains 15 mg tolvaptan.One Samsca 30 mg tablet contains 30 mg tolvaptan.<\/li><li>The other ingredients are\u00a0lactose monohydrate, corn starch, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, magnesium stearate, and indigo carmine aluminum lacquer (E 132).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the medicine looks like and the contents of the pack<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Samsca 7.5 mg: Blue, rectangular, slightly convex tablets measuring 7.7 \u00d7 4.35 \u00d7 2.5 mm, debossed with \u201cOTSUKA\u201d and \u201c7.5\u201d on one side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Samsca 15 mg: Blue, triangular, slightly convex tablets measuring 6.58 \u00d7 6.2 \u00d7 2.7 mm, debossed with \u201cOTSUKA\u201d and \u201c15\u201d on one side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sams<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ca 30 mg: Blue, round, slightly convex tablets measuring \u00d88 \u00d7 3.0 mm, debossed with \u201cOTSUKA\u201d and \u201c30\u201d on one side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Samsca 7.5 mg tablets are supplied as<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>10 tablets in blisters of PP \/ Al<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>30 tablets in blisters of PP \/ Al<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>10 \u00d7 1 tablet in perforated single-dose blisters of PVC \/ Al<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>30 \u00d7 1 tablet in perforated single-dose blisters of PVC \/ Al<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Samsca 15 mg tablets and Samsca 30 mg tablets are provided as<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>10 \u00d7 1 tablet in perforated single-dose blisters of PVC \/ Al<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>30 \u00d7 1 tablet in perforated single-dose blisters of PVC \/ Al<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all pack sizes may be marketed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Marketing Authorisation Holder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Otsuka Pharmaceutical Netherlands BV<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Herikerbergweg 292<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1101 CT, Amsterdam<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Netherlands<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Manufacturer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Millmount Healthcare Limited<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Block-7, City North Business Campus, Stamullen, Co.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meath, K32 YD60<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ireland<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Contact the representative of the marketing authorization holder to find out more about this medicine:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Belgium \/ Belgique \/ Belgien<\/strong>Otsuka Pharmaceutical Netherlands BVTel: +31 (0) 20 85 46 555<\/td><td><strong>Lithuania<\/strong>Otsuka Pharmaceutical Netherlands BVTel: +31 (0) 20 85 46 555<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Bulgaria<\/strong>Otsuka Pharmaceutical Netherlands BVPhone: +31 (0) 20 85 46 555<\/td><td><strong>Luxembourg \/ Luxemburg<\/strong>Otsuka Pharmaceutical Netherlands BVTel \/ Tel: +31 (0) 20 85 46 555<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Czech Republic<\/strong>Otsuka Pharmaceutical Netherlands BVTel: +31 (0) 20 85 46 555<\/td><td><strong>Hungary<\/strong>Otsuka Pharmaceutical Netherlands BVTel: +31 (0) 20 85 46 555<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Denmark<\/strong>Otsuka Pharma Scandinavia ABTel: +46854 528 660<\/td><td><strong>Malta<\/strong>Otsuka Pharmaceutical Netherlands BVTel: +31 (0) 20 85 46 555<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Germany<\/strong>Otsuka Pharma GmbHTel: +49691 700 860<\/td><td><strong>The Netherlands<\/strong>Otsuka Pharmaceutical Netherlands BVTel: +31 (0) 20 85 46 5550<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Eesti<\/strong>Otsuka Pharmaceutical Netherlands BVTel: +31 (0) 20 85 46 555<\/td><td><strong>Norway<\/strong>Otsuka Pharma Scandinavia ABTel: +46854 528 660<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Greece<\/strong>Otsuka Pharmaceutical Netherlands BVTh\u03bb: +31 (0) 20 85 46 555<\/td><td><strong>Austria<\/strong>Otsuka Pharmaceutical Netherlands BVTel: +31 (0) 20 85 46 555<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Spain<\/strong>Otsuka Pharmaceutical SATel: +3493 2081 020<\/td><td><strong>Poland<\/strong>Otsuka Pharmaceutical Netherlands BVTel: +31 (0) 20 85 46 555<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>France<\/strong>Otsuka Pharmaceutical France SASTel: +33147 080 000<\/td><td><strong>Portugal<\/strong>Otsuka Pharmaceutical Netherlands BVTel: +31 (0) 20 85 46 555<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Croatia<\/strong>Otsuka Pharmaceutical Netherlands BVTel: +31 (0) 20 85 46 555<\/td><td><strong>Romania<\/strong>Otsuka Pharmaceutical Netherlands BVTel: +31 (0) 20 85 46 555<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ireland<\/strong>Otsuka Pharmaceutical Netherlands BVTel: +31 (0) 20 85 46 555<\/td><td><strong>Slovenia<\/strong>Otsuka Pharmaceutical Netherlands BVTel: +31 (0) 20 85 46 555<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Iceland<\/strong>Otsuka Pharma Scandinavia ABPhone: +46854 528 660<\/td><td><strong>Slovak Republic<\/strong>Otsuka Pharmaceutical Netherlands BVTel: +31 (0) 20 85 46 555<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Italy<\/strong>Otsuka Pharmaceutical Italy SrlTel: +39 02 00 63 27 10<\/td><td><strong>Finland \/ Finland<\/strong>Otsuka Pharma Scandinavia ABTel \/ Puh: +46854 528 660<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>\u039a\u03cd\u03c0\u03c1\u03bf\u03c2<\/strong>Otsuka Pharmaceutical Netherlands BVTh\u03bb: +31 (0) 20 85 46 555<\/td><td><strong>Sweden<\/strong>Otsuka Pharma Scandinavia ABTel: +46854 528 660<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Latvia<\/strong>Otsuka Pharmaceutical Netherlands BVTel: +31 (0) 20 85 46 555<\/td><td><strong>United Kingdom (Northern Ireland)<\/strong>Otsuka Pharmaceutical Netherlands BVTel: +31 (0) 20 85 46 555<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Samsca, which contains the active substance tolvaptan, belongs to a group of medicines called vasopressin antagonists. Vasopressin is a hormone that helps prevent fluid loss in the body by reducing the amount of urine. Antagonist means that the drug prevents vasopressin from retaining water in the body. This leads to a decrease in the amount of water in the body by increasing urine production, and as a result it raises the level or concentration of sodium in the blood.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2200,18530],"tags":[23687,23691,23690,14858,14862,14861,23688,14859,23689,14860],"class_list":["post-22650","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-medicines","category-s","tag-samsca","tag-samsca-side-effects","tag-samsca-tablet","tag-tolvaptan","tag-tolvaptan-side-effects","tag-tolvaptan-tablet","tag-what-is-samsca","tag-what-is-tolvaptan","tag-what-samsca-is-used-for","tag-what-tolvaptan-is-used-for"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22650","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22650"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22650\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22693,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22650\/revisions\/22693"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22650"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22650"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22650"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}