Cevimeline Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 30, 2024.

Applies to cevimeline: oral capsule.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking cevimeline:

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking cevimeline:

More common

Bladder pain
bloody or cloudy urine
body aches or pain
chills
cough
difficult, burning, or painful urination
difficulty in breathing
dryness or soreness of the throat
ear congestion
frequent urge to urinate
headache
hoarseness
loss of voice
lower back or side pain
runny or stuffy nose
sneezing
tender, swollen glands in the neck
trouble in swallowing
unusual tiredness or weakness
voice changes

Less common

Accumulation of pus
bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
blurred vision or other change in vision
burning, dry, or itching eyes
chest pain
cough producing mucus
diarrhea
discharge, excessive tearing
dizziness
earache
excessive muscle tone
eye pain
fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
feeling unusually cold
fever
general feeling of discomfort or illness
headache, severe and throbbing
heartburn
hives, skin rash
joint pain
loss of appetite
muscle pain, stiffness, tension, or tightness
nausea
nosebleed
pale skin
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
rapid weight gain
redness or swelling in the ear
redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
sensitivity of the eye to light
shivering
sore throat
swollen, red, tender area of the infection site
tightness in the chest
tingling of the hands or feet
tremor
trouble sleeping
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual weight gain or loss
vomiting
weight loss

Rare

Anxiety
black, tarry stools
bleeding after defecation
bleeding gums
blisters
bloating
blood in the urine or stools
blood in vomit
bloody nose
blue or pale skin
burning feeling in the chest or stomach
burning feeling while urinating
burning, numbness, pain, or tingling in all fingers, except the smallest finger
burning, tingling, numbness or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
changes in skin color
chest discomfort
chest pain, possibly moving to the left arm, neck, or shoulder
choking
clumsiness or unsteadiness
cold sweats
collection of blood under the skin
confusion
constipation
cool, pale skin
coughing or spitting up blood
cracked lips
decreased urination
deep, dark purple bruise
depressed mood
difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels
difficulty walking
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
dry mouth
dry skin and hair
dry, puffy skin
extra heartbeat
fainting
feeling cold
forgetfulness
frequent urge to defecate
fruit-like breath odor
gaseous abdominal pain
heart murmur
heavier menstrual periods
husky voice
incoherent speech
increase in heart rate
increased hunger
increased thirst
increased volume of pale, dilute urine
indigestion
involuntary muscle contractions
irregular heartbeat
irritation or soreness of the mouth
itching, pain, redness, swelling, tenderness, or warmth on the skin
joint stiffness or swelling
lightheadedness
loss of bladder control
loss of consciousness
lower back, side, or stomach pain
metallic taste
mood changes
muscle cramps or weakness
nerve pain
nervousness
nightmares
noisy breathing
numbness or tingling in the face, hands, feet, or lips
pain in the arms, legs, or lower back, especially pain in the calves or heels upon exertion
pain or burning in the throat
pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck pain, warmth, or burning in the fingers, toes, and legs
painful blisters on the trunk of the body
painful cold sores or blisters on the lips, nose, eyes, or genitals
pale, bluish-colored, or cold hands or feet
pinpoint red spots on the skin
pounding in the ears
rapid, shallow breathing
rectal bleeding
recurrent fever
redness and swelling of the gums
redness, soreness, or itching skin
redness, swelling, or soreness of the tongue
seizures
sensation of pins and needles
severe constipation
severe cramping
severe or continuing stomach pain
severe stomach pain
severe vomiting
shakiness
slow heartbeat
slurred speech
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or tongue or inside the mouth
stabbing pain
stomach bloating, burning, cramping, or pain
stomach tenderness or discomfort
stomach upset or fullness
straining while passing stool
sudden decrease in the amount of urine
sunken eyes
sweating
swelling around the eyes
swelling of the front part of the neck
swelling or inflammation of the mouth
swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
trouble in holding urine
uncomfortable swelling around the anus
unexplained weight loss
voice changes
vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
weak or absent pulses in the legs
weight gain
wrinkled skin
yellow eyes or skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking cevimeline:

Symptoms of Overdose

Blurred or loss of vision
chest pain or discomfort
cold, clammy skin
confusion
disturbed color perception
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
double vision
fainting fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
fast, weak pulse
halos around lights
nervousness
night blindness
overbright appearance of lights
pounding in the ears
pounding, slow heartbeat
stomach cramps or pain
tearing of the eyes
tightness in the chest
tremor
troubled breathing
tunnel vision
unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects of Cevimeline

Some side effects of cevimeline may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Back pain
belching
bloated, full feeling
bone pain
change in the color, amount, or odor of vaginal discharge
difficulty in moving
discouragement
excess air or gas in stomach or bowels
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
feeling of warmth feeling sad or empty
hiccup
increased watering of the mouth
irritability
itching of the vagina or genital area
leg cramps
loss of interest or pleasure
overactive reflexes, followed by underactive reflexes
pain during sexual intercourse
passing gas
redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
salivary gland enlargement or pain
sensation of spinning
thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor
tooth disorder
toothache
trouble concentrating

Rare

Abnormal crying
abnormal dreaming
absence of menstruation
acne
agitation
change in tongue color
changes in menstrual periods
decreased sexual ability in males
difficulty in speaking
discoloration of the fingernails or toenails
false beliefs that cannot be changed by facts
feeling of unreality
hair loss or thinning of hair
increase in body movements
increased appetite
increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight
lack or loss of strength
painful menstruation
poor insight and judgment
problems with memory or speech
seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
sense of detachment from self or body
severe sunburn
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
trouble recognizing objects
trouble thinking and planning
trouble walking

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to cevimeline: oral capsule.

General

The most commonly reported side effects were excessive sweating, nausea, diarrhea, rhinitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection, and headache.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Hot flushes

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Flushing, precordial chest pain, hematoma, pallor, substernal chest pain, abnormal ECG, heart disorder, heart murmur, aggravated hypertension, hypotension, arrhythmia, extrasystoles, t wave inversion, tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, pericarditis, peripheral ischemia, superficial phlebitis, purpura, deep thrombophlebitis, vasculitis, vascular disorder, hypertension, post-operative hemorrhage

Frequency not reported: Blood pressure fluctuation, cardiomegaly, postural hypotension, bundle branch block, distended vein^[Ref]

Hepatic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cholelithiasis, increased gamma-glutamyl transferase, increased hepatic enzymes, abnormal hepatic function, viral hepatitis, increased serum glutamate oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT/AST), increased serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT/ALT) Postmarketing reports: Cholecystitis^[Ref]

Hematologic

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Nausea (13.8%), Diarrhea (10.3%)

Common (1% to 10%): Excessive salivation, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, vomiting

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Mouth edema, appendicitis, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, duodenitis, dysphagia, enterocolitis, gastric ulcer, gastritis, gastroenteritis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, gingivitis, glossitis, rectum hemorrhage, hemorrhoids, ileus, irritable bowel syndrome, melena, mucositis, esophageal stricture, esophagitis, oral hemorrhage, peptic ulcer, periodontal destruction, rectal disorder, stomatitis, tenesmus, tongue discoloration, tongue disorder, geographic tongue, tongue ulceration, dental caries, food poisoning

Frequency not reported: Enlarged abdomen, change in bowel habits, gum hyperplasia, intestinal obstruction^[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Headache (14.4%)

Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Syncope, carpal tunnel syndrome, coma, abnormal coordination, dysesthesia, dyskinesia, dysphonia, aggravated multiple sclerosis, involuntary muscle contractions, neuralgia, neuropathy, paresthesia, speech disorder, agitation, confusion, depersonalization, aggravated depression, abnormal dreaming, emotional lability, manic reaction, paroniria, somnolence, abnormal thinking, hyperkinesia, hallucination, motion sickness, parosmia, taste perversion

Frequency not reported: Cholinergic syndrome, aphasia, convulsions, abnormal gait, hyperesthesia, paralysis, amnesia, neurosis^[Ref]

Respiratory

Very common (10% or more): Sinusitis (12.3%), upper respiratory tract infection (11.4%), rhinitis (11.2%)

Common (1% to 10%): Coughing, pharyngitis, bronchitis

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Choking, pulmonary embolism, asthma, bronchospasm, chronic obstructive airway disease, dyspnea, hemoptysis, laryngitis, nasal ulcer, pleural effusion, pleurisy, pulmonary congestion, pulmonary fibrosis, respiratory disorder

Frequency not reported: Apnea, atelectasis, yawning^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Genital moniliasis, epididymitis, prostatic disorder, abnormal sexual function, amenorrhea, female breast neoplasm, malignant female breast neoplasm, female breast pain, positive cervical smear test, dysmenorrhea, endometrial disorder, intermenstrual bleeding, leukorrhea, menorrhagia, menstrual disorder, ovarian cyst, ovarian disorder, genital pruritus, uterine hemorrhage, vaginal hemorrhage, atrophic vaginitis, albuminuria, bladder discomfort, increased blood urea nitrogen, dysuria, hematuria, micturition disorder, nephrosis, nocturia, increased nonprotein nitrogen, pyelonephritis, renal calculus, abnormal renal function, renal pain, strangury, urethral disorder, abnormal urine, urinary incontinence, decreased urine flow, pyuria

Frequency not reported: Abnormal sexual function, impotence, oliguria, urinary retention^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Common (1% to 10%): Back pain, arthralgia, skeletal pain

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Leg pain, arthritis, aggravated arthritis, arthropathy, femoral head avascular necrosis, bone disorder, bursitis, costochondritis, plantar fasciitis, muscle weakness, osteomyelitis, osteoporosis, synovitis, tendinitis, tenosynovitis, joint dislocation, aggravated rheumatoid arthritis^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Very common (10% or more): Excessive sweating (18.7%)

Common (1% to 10%): Rash

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cellulitis, lupus erythematosus rash, lupus erythematosus syndrome, acne, alopecia, burn, dermatitis, contact dermatitis, lichenoid dermatitis, eczema, furunculosis, hyperkeratosis, lichen planus, nail discoloration, nail disorder, onychia, onychomycosis, paronychia, photosensitivity reaction, rosacea, scleroderma, seborrhea, skin discoloration, dry skin, skin exfoliation, skin hypertrophy, skin ulceration, urticaria, verruca, bullous eruption, cold clammy skin^[Ref]

Ocular

Common (1% to 10%): Conjunctivitis, rigors

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Periorbital edema, blepharitis, cataract, corneal opacity, corneal ulceration, diplopia, glaucoma, anterior chamber eye hemorrhage, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, mydriasis, myopia, photopsia, retinal deposits, retinal disorder, scleritis, vitreous detachment^[Ref]

Endocrine

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increased glucocorticoids, goiter, hypothyroidism^[Ref]

Immunologic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Aggravated allergy, herpes simplex, herpes zoster, bacterial infection, viral infection, sepsis^[Ref]

Metabolic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Weight decrease, weight increase, increased appetite, dehydration, diabetes mellitus, hypercalcemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, hyperlipemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia, hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, hyponatremia, thirst

Frequency not reported: Electrolyte abnormality, hyperkalemia, hyperproteinemia, failure to thrive, gout^[Ref]

Oncologic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Basal cell carcinoma, squamous carcinoma^[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Injury, surgical intervention, fatigue, pain

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Asthenia, abnormal crying, edema, activated pain trauma, changed temperature sensation, malaise, face edema, fall, heat stroke, deafness, decreased hearing, tinnitus

Frequency not reported: Increased creatine phosphokinase, increased lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), increased alkaline phosphatase^[Ref]