Samsca Helps Treat the Following Conditions:

Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia is a condition where patients have low levels of sodium in the blood. Patients with hyponatremia have less than 135 milliequivalents of sodium per liter of blood. This condition may be caused by severe dehydration or by more serious medical conditions like kidney disease, liver disease, and congestive heart failure. Symptoms of hyponatremia include weakness, fatigue, irritability, confusion, and muscle cramps.

Samsca Active Ingredient

Generic Samsca Alternative: Samsca

Samsca contains the active ingredient tolvaptan which belongs to a class of drugs known as vasopressin receptor antagonists. These drugs increase the amount of urine produced by the body (helping patients expel extra water), and regulate levels of salt in the blood.

General Drug Information

What is Samsca and What Is It Used For?

Samsca is prescribed to patients with low levels of sodium in the blood – an imbalance which develops as a result of heart failure or certain hormonal problems. Samsca increases the production of urine which helps to slowly increase blood sodium levels.

Patients should be aware that different brands of Samsca have different uses. Patients should not change brands of Samsca unless directed to do so by their doctor.

Usage and Application

Before sourcing Samsca online, please read the medication guide prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Most patients are usually prescribed one oral dose per day, with or without food. Dosage depends on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not take this medication for longer than 30 days. Patients should drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration unless told otherwise by their doctor.

Samsca should be taken regularly in order for patients to get the most benefit from it. To help patients remember, the medication should be taken at the same time each day.

Patients should not stop and restart Samsca on their own. This can only happen in a hospital setting to prevent major risks. It is vital to immediately inform the treating physician in the event Samsca is stopped suddenly.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this product, as it can increase the risk of side effects. For more details, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Considerations Before Taking Samsca

If you shop for Samsca online, please note that you may encounter the drug under its generic name: tolvaptan.

Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to Samsca.

Discuss the patient’s medical history – especially related to diabetes, liver disease, and anuria – with a physician. Regular alcohol use or abuse should also be reported.

Patients must drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Before starting treatment, patients should inform their doctor if they are unable to drink fluids normally or if they cannot feel thirst.

In rare cases, Samsca may increase blood sugar levels, which can worsen diabetic symptoms. Diabetic patients should check their blood sugar regularly and share the results with their doctor. Patients may need to have their diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet adjusted.

Patients preparing for surgery or certain dental procedures should inform their doctor or dentist about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products they are taking.

During pregnancy, Samsca should only be used when clearly needed. Pregnant women should discuss the risks and benefits of Samsca treatment with their doctor.

It is not known whether Samsca passes into breast milk. Mothers should consult their doctor before breastfeeding.

Delayed and Omitted Doses

Patients who miss a dose of Samsca should take it as soon as they remember. If this happens near the time of the next dose, patients should skip the missed dose and proceed as usual. Patients should not double their dose to catch up.

Other Medications and Samsca

Drug interactions may change the way Samsca works, increasing the risk of side effects. Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the full list of medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor. Patients should not change their dose or stop taking this medication unless their physician advises them to do so.

DDAVP (Desmopressin Acetate) – a medication used to prevent dehydration – may interact negatively with Samsca,

Certain other medications can affect the removal of Samsca from the body, affecting how it functions. Examples include:

• azole antifungals like itraconazole (e.g Sporanox) and ketoconazole (e.g Nizoral)
• macrolide antibiotics like clarithromycin (e.g Biaxin) and erythromycin (e.g Eryc)
• rifamycins like rifabutin (e.g. Mycobutin) and rifampin (e.g. Rifadin)
• hepatitis C medications (e.g. boceprevir, telaprevir)
• HIV protease inhibitors like lopinavir and ritonavir (e.g Kaletra)
• drugs used to treat seizures like carbamazepine (e.g. Tegretol) and phenytoin (e.g. Dilantin)
• the antiplatelet drug cobicistat (e.g. Prezcobix)
• breast cancer medication ribociclib
• the herb St. John's wort

Adverse Reactions

Many patients use Samsca without serious side effects.

Common side effects include thirst, dry mouth, weakness, constipation, and loss of appetite. Patients should alert their doctor should these changes persist or worsen.

Some patients may experience dehydration. The risk increase for those who suffer from vomiting or diarrhea, as well as people who cannot drink liquids normally. Patients should monitor for symptoms of dehydration like fast heartbeat, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Contact your doctor in the event of such symptoms.

Samsca patients who suffer from cirrhosis have an increased risk of stomach or intestinal bleeding. Patients should contact their doctor immediately in the event of the following symptoms: black or bloody stools, and vomit that contains blood or looks like coffee grounds.

In rare cases, Samsca may cause serious, and possibly fatal, liver disease. Patients should monitor for symptoms of liver damage: nausea, persistent vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, darkened urine, and yellowing eyes and/or skin. Immediately contact your doctor immediately if you experience such symptoms.

Serious allergic reactions to Samsca are rare, yet patients should be aware of allergic symptoms such as rash, itching and swelling, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.

How to Store Samsca

Samsca should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.

Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly and should never be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.