Samsca

symptomatic euvolemic Hyponatremia, symptomatic hypervolemic Hyponatremia, Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Dominant

Treatment

4 FDA approvals

9 Active Studies for Samsca

Treatment for

symptomatic euvolemic Hyponatremia

What is Samsca

TolvaptanThe Generic name of this drug

Treatment SummaryTolvaptan is a prescription drug used to treat low levels of sodium in the blood (hyponatremia), which can be caused by certain diseases like congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, and SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone). It was approved by the FDA in 2009.

Samscais the brand name

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Samsca Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Samsca

Tolvaptan

2009

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Tolvaptan, also called Samsca, is approved by the FDA for 4 uses including Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease （ADPKD) and symptomatic euvolemic Hyponatremia .

Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease （ADPKD)

Helps manage Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease （ADPKD)

symptomatic euvolemic Hyponatremia

symptomatic hypervolemic Hyponatremia

Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Dominant

Helps manage Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease （ADPKD)

Effectiveness

How Samsca Affects PatientsTaking tolvaptan increases how much urine is produced and how much fluids are taken in, which can lead to dehydration. This drug is known to increase sodium and osmolality levels in the body 4-8 hours after taking it, with increased doses leading to higher levels. Urine osmolality decreases and the body's ability to clear out free water increases 4 hours after taking tolvaptan. This drug is highly selective for V2 receptors, and has very little affinity for V1a receptors.

How Samsca works in the bodyTolvaptan is a medication that blocks the action of a hormone called vasopressin. When this hormone is blocked, the body is unable to absorb as much water. This increases the amount of urine produced and decreases the concentration of salts in the bloodstream, which can be beneficial for people with heart failure.

When to interrupt dosage

The dosage of Samsca is contingent upon the identified condition, such as symptomatic hypervolemic Hyponatremia, symptomatic euvolemic Hyponatremia and Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Dominant. The measure fluctuates based on the outlined method of administration in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Dominant

, 15.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 120.0 mg, 45.0 mg, 7.5 mg

Tablet - Oral, , Tablet, Oral

symptomatic euvolemic Hyponatremia

, 15.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 120.0 mg, 45.0 mg, 7.5 mg

Tablet - Oral, , Tablet, Oral

symptomatic hypervolemic Hyponatremia

, 15.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 120.0 mg, 45.0 mg, 7.5 mg

Tablet - Oral, , Tablet, Oral

Warnings

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Samsca.

Common Samsca Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Desmopressin

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of Desmopressin can be decreased when used in combination with Tolvaptan.

Agmatine

Minor

The risk or severity of hyperkalemia can be increased when Tolvaptan is combined with Agmatine.

Aliskiren

Minor

The risk or severity of hyperkalemia can be increased when Tolvaptan is combined with Aliskiren.

Alminoprofen

Minor

The risk or severity of hyperkalemia can be increased when Tolvaptan is combined with Alminoprofen.

Anisodamine

Minor

The risk or severity of hyperkalemia can be increased when Tolvaptan is combined with Anisodamine.

Samsca Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe toxic dosage of tolvaptan has been found to be greater than 2000 mg/kg in rats and dogs. Common side effects may include an increase in thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, constipation, frequent urination, and elevated blood sugar levels.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Samsca Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Samsca?

An examination of 6 active studies is currently underway to assess the potential of Samsca in providing symptomatic relief for Euvolemic Hyponatremia, Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease and Symptomatic Hypervolemic Hyponatremia.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Dominant

9 Actively Recruiting

Phase 4, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 1

symptomatic hypervolemic Hyponatremia

0 Actively Recruiting

symptomatic euvolemic Hyponatremia

0 Actively Recruiting

Samsca Reviews: What are patients saying about Samsca?

5Patient Review

9/15/2019

Samsca for Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion

I've been using this drug for years now, and it's the only way I can keep my sodium levels in check. It's very expensive, costing me $250 a month, but it's worth it to me.

5Patient Review

10/18/2012

Samsca for Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood

The cost of this medication is unfortunately out of reach for me.

2.3Patient Review

6/26/2013

Samsca for Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion

This drug caused my serum sodium to skyrocket, leading to mobility problems and hallucinations. My speech also sounded like I was having a stroke. Thankfully, this didn't kill me but it was awful to experience. I wouldn't recommend this if there are other options available.

2.3Patient Review

12/27/2010

Samsca for Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood

My husband passed away 26 hours after taking Samsca, which was supposed to help with his fluid levels and heart failure. We had reported this adverse reaction to the FDA.

2Patient Review

5/3/2010

Samsca for Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood

View All Reviews

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Patient Q&A Section about samsca

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is Samsca used for?

"Tolvaptan is used to treat low blood sodium levels in people who have heart failure or SIADH."

Answered by AI

What are the side effects of Samsca?

"The following are potential side effects of the medication: thirst, dry mouth, loss of appetite, constipation, or weakness. Dehydration is also a possible side effect. People with cirrhosis have an increased risk of bleeding from the stomach or intestines while taking this medication. In very rare cases, the medication may cause serious liver disease, which could be fatal."

Answered by AI

How long does it take for Samsca to work?

"The effect of the drug begins 2-4 hours after taking it, peaking 4-8 hours after. Taking the drug with food does not seem to affect how well the body absorbs it or how long the effect lasts."

Answered by AI

What is tolvaptan used for?

"Tolvaptan is a medication used to treat low sodium levels in the blood in patients with heart failure or SIADH, as well as to slow kidney function decline in adults at risk of rapidly progressing ADPKD."

Answered by AI