Generic name: tolvaptan (tol VAP tan)
Brand name: Jynarque, Samsca
Jynarque is used to slow the decline in kidney function in adults who have autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
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.
Jynarque may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You will need frequent medical tests before and during treatment with Jynarque.
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.
You should not use Jynarque if you are dehydrated or unable to urinate, or if you can't tell when you are thirsty.
You also should not use Jynarque if you have ever had liver problems (other than polycystic liver disease), or if your sodium blood level is too high or too low.
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.
Jynarque 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.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Jynarque if you are allergic to it, 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.
Samsca is not for use in people with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (unless you receive Samsca through a special program that includes frequent liver function tests).
You should not take Samsca if your sodium level needs to be increased quickly.
You should not take Jynarque if you've been told that your sodium blood level is too high or too low.
Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with Jynarque. 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.
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 Jynarque will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
You should not breastfeed while using Jynarque.
How should I take Jynarque?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Drink plenty of fluids while taking Jynarque, but do not drink grapefruit juice or alcoholic drinks.
You may take Jynarque with or without food.
Samsca is usually taken once per day and Jynarque is taken twice per day. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
You will need to be under observation in a hospital any time you start or restart treatment with Samsca, to quickly treat any serious side effects. If you stop taking Samsca for any length of time, do not start taking it again at home.
Long-term use of Samsca can damage your liver. You should not use Samsca for longer than 30 days.
You can easily become dehydrated while taking Jynarque, which can lead to serious side effects. Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual.
You will need frequent medical tests.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Samsca: Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose.
Jynarque: Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time.
Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking Jynarque?
Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Grapefruit may interact with Jynarque and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.
Jynarque side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: 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.
Samsca is given to treat low levels of sodium in your blood, but can be dangerous if your sodium level rises too fast. Tell your doctor or caregivers at once if you have any of these signs that your hyponatremia is being reversed too quickly:
- problems with speech or muscle control;
- trouble swallowing;
- trouble moving your arms and legs;
- confusion, mood changes; or
- a seizure.
Common side effects may include:
- dry mouth;
- increased thirst or urination;
- hunger, fruity breath odor;
- constipation; or
- weakness.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Jynarque?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
Many drugs can affect Jynarque, and some drugs should not be used at the same time. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.