Jinarc (Tolvaptan) belongs to the class of medications called vasopressin receptor antagonists. It is used to treat autosomal dominant Kidney Disease (ADPKD), a genetic disorder which results in cysts (fluid filled sacs) on the kidneys. These cysts can cause damage to the kidneys and potentially lead to kidney failure.

Jinarc (Tolvaptan) works by blocking the effect of a hormone in the body called vasopressin, which promotes cyst growth. Jinarc (Tolvaptan) helps to reduce the growth of the cysts and to protect the kidneys from damage.

Jinarc (Tolvaptan) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Jinarc (Tolvaptan) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Jinarc (Tolvaptan) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Jinarc (Tolvaptan) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Jinarc (Tolvaptan), speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Jinarc (Tolvaptan) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Jinarc (Tolvaptan) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Jinarc (Tolvaptan) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Jinarc (Tolvaptan) is usually taken twice a day in two different doses. The recommended starting dose of Jinarc (Tolvaptan) is a total daily dose of 60 mg taken as a split dose of 45 mg + 15 mg. The dose may be increased after seven days to a total of 90 mg daily, taken as a split dose of 60 mg + 30 mg.  The maximum daily dose is 120 mg, taken as a split dose of 90 mg + 30 mg.

The higher dose tablet in the combination pack should be taken in the morning, and the lower dose tablet should be taken approximately 8 hours later.

Jinarc (Tolvaptan) may be taken with food or on an empty stomach. If you become thirsty, fluids may be consumed. Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice while you are taking Jinarc (Tolvaptan).

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Jinarc (Tolvaptan) exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular prescribe dose and dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Jinarc (Tolvaptan) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Jinarc (Tolvaptan). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Jinarc (Tolvaptan) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Jinarc (Tolvaptan). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• Constipation
• decreased appetite
• Diarrhea
• dizziness
• Dry Mouth
• fatigue
• headache
• increased urine volume
• indigestion
• itchy skin
• loss of appetite
• more frequent urination
• muscle spasms
• rash
• stomach pain
• thirst
• trouble sleeping
• weakness

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• signs of dehydration (e.g., dry or sticky mouth, decreased urine production, decreased tear production, dizziness, thirst, nausea, vomiting)
• signs of Gout (e.g., joint pain, usually in the big toe, followed by redness, swelling, warmth)
• signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
• signs of high levels of potassium in the blood (e.g., irregular heartbeats, muscle weakness, general feeling of being unwell)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of angioedema (e.g., swelling of the face, mouth, hands, or feet)
• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., swelling of face or throat, Hives, or difficulty breathing)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Jinarc (Tolvaptan).

45mg + 15 mg

45 mg
Each non-scored, blue, square, shallow-convex tablet debossed with "otsuka" and "45" on one side, contains 45 mg of Jinarc (Tolvaptan). Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake as colourant.

15 mg
Each non-scored, bevelled-edged, shallow-convex, blue, triangular tablet debossed with "otsuka" and "15" on one side, contains 15 mg of Jinarc (Tolvaptan). Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake as colourant.

60mg + 30 mg

60 mg
Each non-scored, bevelled-edge, blue, modified rectangular, shallow- convex, beveled-edge tablet, debossed with "otsuka" and "60" on one side, contains 60 mg of Jinarc (Tolvaptan). Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake as colourant.

30 mg
Each non-scored, bevelled-edged, shallow-convex, blue, round tablet debossed with "otsuka" and "30" on one side contains 30 mg of Jinarc (Tolvaptan). Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake as colourant.

90mg + 30 mg

90 mg
Each non-scored, blue, pentagonal, shallow-convex tablet debossed with "otsuka" and "90" on one side, contains 90 mg of Jinarc (Tolvaptan). Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake as colourant.

30 mg
Each non-scored, bevelled-edged, shallow-convex, blue, round tablet debossed with "otsuka" and "30" on one side, contains 30 mg of Jinarc (Tolvaptan). Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake as colourant.