What is Evoxac (Cevimeline)?

Cevimeline increases the secretions of the saliva and sweat glands in the body.
Cevimeline is used to treat dry mouth in people with Sjogren’s Syndrome.
Cevimeline may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Evoxac (Cevimeline)?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cevimeline, or if you have untreated or uncontrolled asthma, glaucoma, or an eye condition called iritis or uveitis.
Before taking cevimeline, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, heart rhythm disorder, angina (chest pain), or a history of heart attack, high blood pressure (hypertension), asthma or other breathing disorder, or a history of kidney or gall stones.
Cevimeline can cause side effects that may impair your vision, especially at night. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Cevimeline may cause excessive sweating and you may get dehydrated more easily while taking this medication. Follow your doctor’s instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Evoxac (Cevimeline)?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to cevimeline, or if you have:

• untreated or uncontrolled asthma
• glaucoma; or
• an eye condition called iritis or uveitis

Before taking cevimeline, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• heart disease, heart rhythm disorder, angina (chest pain), or a history of heart attack
• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• asthma, chronic bronchitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); or
• a history of kidney stones or gallstones

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take cevimeline.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether cevimeline passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Evoxac Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Evoxac (Cevimeline)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking cevimeline and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• shortness of breath, wheezing, or tightness in your chest
• chest pain, uneven heart rate
• attacks of severe stomach pain on the right side, extending up to your shoulder (sometimes worse after meals)
• nausea and vomiting, bloating, fever, chills, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• swelling in your hands or feet
• eye pain or drainage
• fever, ear ache, flu symptoms; or
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips

Less serious side effects may include:

• blurred vision, dry eyes
• excessive sweating or salivating, drooling
• runny or stuffy nose
• nausea, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite
• dry mouth
• muscle pain
• vaginal itching or discharge

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Evoxac Interactions

What other drugs affect Evoxac (Cevimeline)?

Before taking cevimeline, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone)
• cimetidine (Tagamet)
• cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune)
• metronidazole (Flagyl, Protostat)
• antibiotics such as azithromycin (Zithromax), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, Erythrocin), itraconazole (Sporanox), or ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft)
• asthma medicines such as albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin, others), bitolterol (Tornalate), epinephrine (Asthmahaler, Bronkaid, Primatene Mist Inhaler), isoetharine (Bronkometer, Bronkosol), metaproterenol (Alupent, Metaprel), pirbuterol (Maxair), salmeterol (Serevent), or terbutaline (Brethaire, Brethine)
• heart or blood pressure medication such as diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac) or verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan), acebutolol (Sectral), atenolol (Tenormin), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), timolol (Blocadren), and others; or
• HIV /AIDS medicine such as amprenavir (Agenerase), delavirdine (Rescriptor), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), nevirapine (Viramune), ritonavir (Norvir), or saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase)

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with cevimeline. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Evoxac (Cevimeline)?

Cevimeline can cause side effects that may impair your vision, especially at night. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Cevimeline may cause excessive sweating and you may get dehydrated more easily while taking this medication. Follow your doctor’s instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink.

Evoxac Dosage

How should I take Evoxac (Cevimeline)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take this medication with a full glass of water.
Cevimeline is usually taken three times a day. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Store cevimeline at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Evoxac (Cevimeline)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include headache, blurred vision, watery eyes, confusion, sweating, tremors or shaking, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, trouble breathing, and fast, slow, or uneven heart rate.

What happens if I miss a dose of Evoxac (Cevimeline)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com