Uses
Tolvaptan (Jynarque) is used to slow the worsening of kidney function in certain patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD; a certain type of inherited kidney disease). Tolvaptan (Jynarque) is in a class of medications called vasopressin V2 receptor antagonists. It works by increasing the amount of water released from the body as urine and decreases the growth of cysts in the kidneys. Removing fluid from the body and slowing the growth of cysts helps to slow the worsening of kidney function.
Tolvaptan is also available as a tablet (Samsca) to treat low blood levels of sodium in people who have heart failure or certain other conditions. This monograph only gives information about tolvaptan tablets (Jynarque) to slow the worsening of kidney function in patients with ADPKD. If you are using this medication to treat low levels of sodium in the blood, read the monograph entitled tolvaptan (low blood sodium).
Side Effects Of Tolvaptan (Jynarque)
Tolvaptan (Jynarque) may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- thirst
- dry mouth
- frequent, excessive urination
- heartburn
- decreased appetite
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:
- diarrhea
- inability to drink normally
- dizziness
- faintness
- decreased urination
- weakness
- drowsiness
- confusion
- weight loss
- rapid or pounding heartbeats
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- hoarseness
- hives
Tolvaptan (Jynarque) may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking tolvaptan (Jynarque):
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tolvaptan (Jynarque, Samsca), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in tolvaptan tablets. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor if you are taking certain antifungals such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) or itraconazole (Sporanox); clarithromycin (Biaxin); or certain medications for HIV such as indinavir (Crixivan), lopinavir (Kaletra), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir), or saquinavir (Invirase); conivaptan (Vaprisol); or nefazodone. Your doctor may tell you not to take tolvaptan (Jynarque) if you are taking one or more of these medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: atorvastatin (Lipitor, in Caduet), bosentan (Tracleer), desmopressin (dDAVP, Minirin, Noctiva), digoxin (Lanoxin), fluconazole (Diflucan); furosemide (Lasix), glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase), lovastatin (Altoprev), methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, Trexall, Xatmep), nateglinide (Starlix), pravastatin (Pravachol), repaglinide (Prandin), rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rimactane), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and simvastatin (Zocor, in Vytorin). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with tolvaptan (Jynarque), so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
- tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions mentioned in the WARNING section if you have or have ever had a high level of sodium in your blood if you have difficulty urinating or are unable to urinate, if you have had severe vomiting or diarrhea, or think you may be dehydrated, or if you are unable to notice that you are thirsty. Your doctor may tell you not to take tolvaptan (Jynarque).
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking tolvaptan (Jynarque), call your doctor. You should not breastfeed while you are taking tolvaptan (Jynarque).
Dosage Of Tolvaptan (Jynarque)
Tolvaptan (Jynarque) comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day, one tablet in the morning and one tablet 8 hours later, with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take tolvaptan (Jynarque) exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of tolvaptan (Jynarque) and gradually increase your dose.
Your doctor may need to decrease your dose if you experience certain side effects. It is important for you to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to tolvaptan (Jynarque).
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
