Cevimeline capsules

July 17, 2018

Cevimeline capsules

What is this medicine?

CEVIMELINE (se VIM e leen) helps increase saliva and decrease dry mouth in patients with Sjogren's syndrome.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take this medicine with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • changes in vision

  • irregular heartbeat

  • tremors

  • upper respiratory infections like sinus infections

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • diarrhea

  • excessive sweating

  • headache

  • nausea

  • runny nose

  • stomach pain

What may interact with this medicine?

  • certain medicines for high blood pressure

  • certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital

  • clarithromycin

  • erythromycin

  • medicine used to treat fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, or ketoconazole

  • medicines used to treat HIV, AIDS

  • rifabutin

  • rifampin

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • angina

  • glaucoma

  • heart disease

  • history of a heart attack

  • iritis

  • irregular heart beat

  • lung or breathing disease, like asthma

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to cevimeline, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

You may have visual changes, especially at night, while taking this medicine. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you.

If you sweat a lot while taking this medicine, you may become dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Talk with your health care provider if you are sweating a lot.

Updated:  

July 17, 2018