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Information about Samsca (Tolvaptan)
Samsca, with the active ingredient tolvaptan, is a medication primarily used to treat conditions related to excess water retention in the body. It is a selective vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist, which works by blocking the action of the hormone vasopressin, thereby promoting the excretion of free water (without losing electrolytes) from the kidneys. Samsca is used to treat conditions such as hyponatremia (low sodium levels) and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), where water retention can be problematic.
Product Highlights
- Samsca is used to treat clinically significant hyponatremia in patients with conditions like heart failure, cirrhosis, or syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), where water retention dilutes sodium levels.
- Samsca is also indicated for the treatment of ADPKD to slow kidney function decline in adults at risk of rapidly progressing disease. It works by reducing cyst growth and fluid retention in the kidneys.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- Helps increase sodium levels in patients with low sodium caused by conditions like heart failure, cirrhosis, or SIADH by promoting water excretion.
- In patients with ADPKD, tolvaptan can slow the rate of kidney function decline and reduce cyst enlargement, which is critical for maintaining kidney health in affected individuals.
- By promoting water loss without significant electrolyte loss, Samsca helps restore balance in conditions where water retention is problematic.
Direction of Use
- The usual starting dose for adults with hyponatremia is typically 15 mg once daily, which may be adjusted depending on the patient’s sodium levels and response to treatment.
- For ADPKD, the starting dose is often 60 mg once daily, with adjustments to 90 mg or 120 mg once daily based on tolerability and response.
- Samsca tablets should be taken orally, with or without food. The dose should be taken at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in the body.
- Patients on Samsca should have regular blood tests to monitor liver function, kidney function, and electrolytes, particularly sodium levels.
Safety Concerns
- Samsca can cause liver toxicity, so liver function tests must be monitored regularly, especially during the first 18 months of treatment. Liver failure is a risk, and patients should discontinue the medication if liver injury is detected.
- Although Samsca helps correct hyponatremia, it can lead to dehydration or other electrolyte imbalances, particularly in vulnerable patients.
- Patients with pre-existing kidney conditions should be monitored closely, as tolvaptan may impact renal function.
- Patients may experience increased thirst and frequent urination due to the effects of Samsca in promoting water excretion.
- In some cases, Samsca can lead to a decrease in blood pressure due to fluid loss, requiring careful management of hydration status.
Avoid Samsca (Tolvaptan) If
- Samsca should not be used in patients with severe hepatic impairment or active liver disease due to the risk of liver injury.
- Samsca should be used cautiously to avoid overly rapid correction of hyponatremia, as this can lead to dangerous complications such as osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS).
- The safety of Samsca during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. It should only be used if the benefits outweigh the risks, and only under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
- People who are allergic to tolvaptan or any of its ingredients should avoid using Samsca.
- Patients with severe renal impairment or end-stage kidney disease should not take Samsca.
