Skip to main content

Compare
Jynarque vs. Samsca

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Jynarque

(tolvaptan)

Get free coupons

Tolvaptan

(Samsca)

Get free coupons

Summary for Jynarque

Prescription only

Jynarque (tolvaptan) helps protect kidney function in adults with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) who are at risk of their condition getting worse quickly. It works as a vasopressin-2 (V2) receptor antagonist. Jynarque (tolvaptan) comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth twice a day (8 hours apart). At the start, your dose is slowly raised based on how you respond. Common side effects include feeling thirsty and needing to urinate more often. It can also cause serious liver damage. Because of this risk, it's only available through a special Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program.

Indications for Jynarque

Pros and Cons for Jynarque

Pros

  • The only FDA-approved treatment that helps slow the loss of kidney function in people with ADPKD
  • Comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth
  • Can take with or without food

Cons

  • Must take twice a day with specific timing (taken 8 hours apart)
  • Can make you urinate more often and also feel very thirsty
  • Need to get blood work done regularly to check your liver for safety

Common Side Effects for Jynarque

  • More frequent urination (70%)
  • Feeling very thirsty (64%)
  • Dry mouth (16%)
  • Tiredness (14%)
  • Diarrhea (13%)
  • Dizziness (11%)
  • Indigestion (8%)
  • Lower appetite (7%)

Warnings for Jynarque

  • Liver damage
  • High sodium levels, dehydration, and low blood volume
  • Interactions with other medications

Summary for Samsca

Prescription only

Tolvaptan (Samsca) is used to treat hyponatremia (low blood sodium levels) caused by certain medical conditions. It's available as brand name and generic tablets, and it's taken by mouth once a day. You'll need to be monitored in the hospital when you first start the medication so your provider can check that your sodium levels aren't rising too quickly. Common side effects of tolvaptan (Samsca) include feeling thirsty, dry mouth, and needing to urinate more often.

Indications for Samsca

Pros and Cons for Samsca

Pros

  • Taken by mouth once per day
  • Can be taken with or without food (but avoid grapefruit juice)
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Can cause you to urinate more often
  • Can cause serious liver problems
  • Must be started in the hospital

Common Side Effects for Samsca

  • Feeling thirsty (16%)
  • Dry mouth (13%)
  • Urinating more often and more volume (11%)
  • Lack of energy (9%)
  • Constipation (7%)
  • High blood sugar (6%)

Warnings for Samsca

  • Too rapid correction of blood sodium levels
  • Liver problems and liver failure
  • Dehydration and losing too much body fluid
  • Interactions with other medications
  • High blood potassium levels
  • Trouble with urination

Prices with our coupons for Jynarque vs. Samsca

Price Card Drug Icon
Tolvaptan (Jynarque)60 tablets / 15mg
$16,848.30-
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Tolvaptan (Samsca)10 tablets / 15mg
$281.70-
Get free coupons
More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.