conivaptan

What is the most important information I should know about conivaptan?

Serious drug interactions can occur when certain medicines are used together. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using.

What is conivaptan?

Conivaptan reduces the level of a hormone that regulates the balance of water and salt (sodium) in the body. High levels of this hormone can cause an imbalance that results in low sodium levels and fluid retention.

Conivaptan is used to treat hyponatremia (low sodium levels). Conivaptan improves urine flow without causing the body to lose too much sodium as you urinate.

Conivaptan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving conivaptan?

Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with conivaptan. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you use any of the following drugs:

• lomitapide;
• medicine to treat depression or mental illness --nefazodone, lurasidone, pimozide;
• an antibiotic --clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin;
• antifungal medicine --itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole;
• heart or blood pressure medicine --dronedarone, eplerenone, nimodipine, ranolazine;
• HIV/AIDS medicine --atazanavir, cobicistat, delavirdine, fosamprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir, ritonavir;
• medicine to treat hepatitis C --boceprevir, telaprevir; or
• prostate medicine --alfuzosin, silodosin.

To make sure conivaptan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• congestive heart failure;
• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• alcoholism;
• HIV or AIDS;
• malnourishment; or
• a condition for which you take digoxin (digitalis).

This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in women.

How is conivaptan given?

Conivaptan is injected into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in a hospital setting.

Conivaptan is infused around-the-clock for 2 to 4 days. This medication is usually given only in a hospital.

You may have very low blood pressure while taking this medicine. Tell your caregivers if you feel weak, tired, dizzy, or very light-headed, or if you have any diarrhea or vomiting.

Because conivaptan can irritate the skin or vein when the medicine enters the body, your IV needle will be moved to a different vein every 24 hours.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since conivaptan is given by a healthcare professional, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving conivaptan?

What are the possible side effects of conivaptan?

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• low potassium --confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling; or
• signs of a rapid increase in sodium levels --trouble speaking, trouble swallowing, weakness, mood changes, muscle spasm or weakness in your arms and legs, seizure.

Common side effects may include:

• fever;
• low potassium;
• headache, mild dizziness; or
• pain, redness, or swelling around the IV needle.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect conivaptan?

Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all your medications and any you start or stop using during treatment with conivaptan. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about conivaptan.