DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Cevimeline

March 21, 2017

Cevimeline Oral capsule

What is this medicine?

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

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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

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.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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.

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

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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.

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

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert