Warnings & Recalls for Samsca
FDA and Samsca
On January 25, 2013 the FDA sent out a notification to warn patients of the
dangers of liver damage while taking Samsca. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has concluded that patients should
have their liver tested regularly to monitor these potential side effects.
Pregnancy and Samsca
Samsca has been identified as an FDA
pregnancy Category C medication. It has not been determined if Samsca could cause harm to the fetus if taken by a woman who is pregnant, nor if it may pass through breast-milk and harm a nursing baby.
Consult your doctor before taking Samsca if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to become pregnant.
General Warnings
Samsca is not safe for everyone.
Do not take Samsca if you:
- are allergic to tolvaptan or similar medications
- cannot urinate
- have difficulty telling if you are thirsty
- suffer from dehydration or faintness
Let your doctor know about your
medical history, including information about if you:
- are allergic to anything
- have kidney or liver disease, specifically cirrhosis (chronic liver disease which results in scarring of the organ or decreased liver function)
- are malnourished or lacking necessary nutrients
- become dehydrated easily
- consume large amounts of alcohol regularly
Samsca Interactions
Samsca may
interact with other medications. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about
all medicines you are using, particularly:
- contraceptives (birth control medications)
- antiemetic medicines such as aprepitant
- bosentan (a treatment for high blood pressure)
- cimetidine
- cyclosporine
- antibiotics and antifungals
- anti-inflammatories and immunosuppresants
- digoxin, a drug for congestive heart failure and lidocaine, a treatment for arrhythmia
- medications for treating heart disorders or disease
- haloperidol
- St. John's wort
- antidepressants
- barbiturates (a type of depressants)
- diuretics or "water pills"
- treatments for high or low blood pressure
- anticonvulsants
- human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) drugs
- medications for reducing symptoms of narcolepsy
- certain supplements and vitamins
Samsca Treatment and Use
Samsca | tolvaptan is a vasopressin receptor antagonist marketed by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company for treating hyponatremia, a condition in which amounts of sodium in the body become too low. Samsca may be prescribed to balance fluid and sodium levels in persons who have:
- irregular hormone levels
- a history of heart failure
- liver disease
How Does Samsca Work?
Samsca works to control the amounts of sodium in the body by decreasing certain hormones which are responsible for regulating fluids and sodium. In doing so, Samsca decreases fluid retention and improves the ability to urinate.
Samsca Dosage Information
Samsca is available in tablet form to be taken orally. Samsca is typically prescribed to be taken once every 24 hours with a full glass of water. Doses typically start at 15 mg per day but may be increased to a maximum of 60 mg daily. Your first treatment should be monitored by a healthcare professional to ensure safety. Patients should have their blood tested frequently while taking Samsca.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Samsca. Consumption of grapefruit products may affect the way Samsca works. Ask your doctor about specific directions on diet requirements and fluid intake while using Samsca as a treatment.
