Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Samsca (Tolvaptan).
Dehydration: Samsca (Tolvaptan) causes an increase in the amount of urine produced as it causes the body to eliminate fluid. As a result, it is possible for dehydration to occur. Drink fluids when you feel thirsty and be aware of other signs of dehydration such as muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, rapid pounding heart beat as well as a feeling of dry stickiness in the mouth.
Diabetes: Samsca (Tolvaptan) may cause an increase in blood sugar levels (may cause a loss of blood glucose control) and glucose tolerance may change. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Samsca (Tolvaptan).
If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Samsca (Tolvaptan) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Samsca (Tolvaptan), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Fluid and electrolyte balance: Samsca (Tolvaptan) may cause the levels of electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium, chloride, and calcium in the blood to change while taking Samsca (Tolvaptan). If you experience symptoms of fluid and electrolyte imbalance such as muscle pains or cramps; dry mouth; numb hands, feet, or lips; or racing heartbeat, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the levels of these electrolytes in your blood while you are taking Samsca (Tolvaptan).
Galactose intolerance/glucose malabsorption: Samsca (Tolvaptan) medications are prepared with lactose. If you have lactose or galactose intolerance you should not take these medications.
Grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice affects how Samsca (Tolvaptan) is removed from the body and may cause too much of the medication to build up in the body and cause possibly harmful side effects. Do not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit at any time while taking Samsca (Tolvaptan) for treatment.
Liver function: Samsca (Tolvaptan) may reduce liver function and can cause liver failure. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Samsca (Tolvaptan) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Samsca (Tolvaptan), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Samsca (Tolvaptan). If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Samsca (Tolvaptan) may increase the risk of bleeding in the stomach when it is taken by people with liver disease. If you experience signs of bleeding in the digestive system, such as blood in the stools, vomiting blood or a substance that looks like coffee grounds, or black and tarry stools, get immediate medical help.
Rapid correction of sodium levels: Correcting the blood levels of sodium too quickly can be as dangerous as having too little sodium in the body. This may be more likely to occur if you consume large amounts of alcohol, are severely malnourished, or have advanced liver disease. If you experience difficulty speaking, confusion, drowsiness, mood changes, difficulty swallowing, or weakness in the arms and legs, contact your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy: Samsca (Tolvaptan) should not be used during. If you become pregnant while taking Samsca (Tolvaptan), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Samsca (Tolvaptan) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Samsca (Tolvaptan), it may affect your baby. Women who are taking Samsca (Tolvaptan) are advised to not breast-feed.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Samsca (Tolvaptan) have not been established for children.
