This medication is used by people who have a certain
inherited kidney problem (autosomal dominant polycystic kidney
disease-ADPKD). This inherited kidney problem leads to the growth of
fluid-filled sacs (cysts) in your kidneys. Over time, the cysts grow in
size, which can damage the way your kidneys work and lead to kidney
failure. Tolvaptan belongs to a class of drugs known as vasopressin
receptor antagonists. It works by slowing the growth of kidney cysts caused
by ADPKD. This effect helps protect your kidneys from damage and
failure.
Different brands of this medication have different uses.
Do not change brands of this medication unless directed by your
doctor.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist
before you start using tolvaptan and each time you get a refill. If you
have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually 2 times a day (once when you wake up and
once 8 hours later). To prevent dehydration, always have water ready to
drink while taking tolvaptan. Drink water when you are thirsty and
throughout the day and night if awake. Stop taking this medication and tell
your doctor right away if you have vomiting or diarrhea, or if you cannot
drink enough water for any reason.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may
direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase
your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each
day.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice
while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may
do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this
medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
See also Warning section.
Increased urination and thirst are common side effects.
Dry mouth, loss of appetite, or upset stomach may also occur. If any of
these effects bother you or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Dehydration can occur. The risk is increased if you have
vomiting or diarrhea that doesn't stop, and you cannot drink normally. Tell
your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms of dehydration, such as
fast heartbeat or dizziness/lightheadedness.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking tolvaptan, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- liver disease
- gout
- trouble urinating (such as due to enlarged prostate,
blockage, inability to make urine)
- abnormal sodium (salt) levels in the blood
To prevent dehydration while taking this medication, you
must be able to replace fluids by drinking. Before taking this medication,
tell your doctor if you are not able to drink normally or if you cannot
feel if you are thirsty. (See also How to Use section.)
This drug may make you dizzy, especially if you are also
taking medication(s) for high blood pressure. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
This medication may rarely make your blood sugar rise,
which can cause or worsen diabetes. If you have diabetes, check your blood
sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your
doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or
diet.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
See also How to Use section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug
is:
Other medications can affect the removal of tolvaptan
from your body, which may affect how tolvaptan works. Examples include
azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole), cobicistat, HIV
protease inhibitors (such as lopinavir), macrolide antibiotics (such as
clarithromycin, erythromycin), ribociclib, rifamycins (such as rifabutin,
rifampin), ritonavir, St. John's wort, drugs used to treat seizures (such
as carbamazepine, phenytoin), among others.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular scheduled time and at the dose prescribed for that
time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.