What is DDAVP?
DDAVP, a synthetic form of the hormone pituitary-derived, is produced by humans. The hormone plays a role in many body functions, including blood flow and blood pressure. It also regulates how water is used by the body. DDAVP can be used to treat bleeding in patients with hemophilia A and von Willebrand disease type I. DDAVP can also be used for treating central cranial diabetes insipidus and increased thirst or urination due to head surgery, head trauma, or head injury. DDAVP can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of DDAVP
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergy reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or facial, throat or tongue swelling. Seek medical help immediately!
DDAVP can cause severe side effects. If you experience:
- Low sodium levels in the body can cause headaches, nausea, cramps, weakness, and confusion.
- A seizure (convulsions);
- Breathing that is shallow or weak
- Feeling lightheadedness as though they could pass out.
Some of the common side effects associated with DDAVP include:
- Pain, swelling, and redness where the medication was injected.
- Flushing (warmth or redness);
- Headache
- Nausea and stomach pain.
There may be other side effects.Call your physician immediately if experiencing side effects; alternatively you can report these incidents by dialing the FDA hotline: 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
This medication should be avoided if your kidneys are severely damaged or you've ever experienced hyponatremia. DDAVP may not work for you if your blood pressure is uncontrolled, if you suffer from severe cardiac failure, or if you have a kidney condition known as SIADH. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: confusion, headaches, cramps, weakness, nausea, feeling unsteady or restless, as well as feeling confused. While using DDAVP, limit your water intake and fluids. Too much water may cause you to lose salt, which can lead to an electrolyte balance that is life-threatening.
Before you take this drug
If you're allergic to it or if:
- Severe kidney disease
- If you've ever experienced hyponatremia (low levels of sodium in the body), then this is something to consider.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that DDAVP will be safe for you:
- An electrolyte imbalance;
- A psychologic condition that results in extreme or abnormal thirst
- Fluid retention;
- Congestive cardiac failure.
- High or low blood pressure
- Urination issues;
- Kidney disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- A head injury or brain tumor;
- A history of blood clots or heart attacks.
This medicine is unknown to cause harm to an unborn child. Inform your doctor of any pregnancy or plans to get pregnant. It is unknown whether this drug will affect nursing babies or whether desmopressin can pass into breast milk. Inform your doctor that you are breastfeeding.
How to take DDAVP?
You may be tested for conditions by your doctor to ensure that you are safe before using DDAVP. Do not alter the instructions on your prescription. Use this medication only as directed.Do not exceed the prescribed dosage or continue taking it beyond what is intended. The DDAVP injection is given under the skin or through an intravenous line. It is possible that you will be taught how to inject at home. You should not administer this medication to yourself if you don't know how to inject the medicine and dispose of IV tubes, needles, and other used items. DDAVP can also be purchased as a nasal drop. Your dosage requirements will be different if you switch from using this medicine as a nasal spray to using this medicine. This medicine is dosed much less than this nasal medicine. Be sure to follow your doctor's orders precisely. You may require frequent blood tests to check your blood pressure while using DDAVP.
While using DDAVP, limit your water intake and fluids. Too much water may cause you to lose salt, which can lead to an electrolyte balance that is life-threatening. Children and elderly adults who use DDAVP should be especially careful about fluid intake. You should follow your doctor's advice about how much liquid you can drink. Do not prepare your injection dose until you are prepared to administer it. If the color of your medicine changes or if it contains particles, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist. Only use a disposable syringe and needle once. Use syringes and needles only once. Ask your pharmacist how and where you can get a "sharps' disposal container that is puncture proof. This container should be kept out of the reach of pets and children. Get medical help if you have hemophilia or von Willebrand disease and your bleeding does not stop during DDAVP treatment. Keep this medication in the fridge. Don't freeze.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as possible, take the dose you missed. If the next dose is due soon, do not take the missed one.You should not take extra medication to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms include confusion, headaches, drowsiness, or rapid weight gain.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, drinks or activities for you, follow their directives closely.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.
- Antidepressants are a type of medication.
- A diuretic, or "water pills."
- Narcotic pain medication
- Seizure medicine—carbamazepine, lamotrigine,
- Nsaids are nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. These include aspirin (Advil), ibuprofen, naproxen, Indomethacin (Aleve), diclofenac (Celecoxib), Indomethacin (Meloxicam), and many others.
The list below is not exhaustive. Desmopressin may also interact with other drugs, such as prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbs. This medication guide does not list all interactions.
