What is Desmopressin?
Desmopressin, a manmade version of a naturally occurring hormone in the pituitary, is produced by humans. This hormone has many important functions, including regulating blood flow, blood pressure, kidney function, and how the body uses its water. The injection of desmopressin is used to treat bleeding in patients with hemophilia type A and von Willebrand disease type 1. Desmopressin is also used for treating central cranial diabetes insipidus and increased thirst or urination due to head surgery or trauma. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of desmopressin.
Side effects of Desmopressin
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Desmopressin may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Low sodium levels in the body can cause headaches, confusion, hallucinations, and severe weakness.
- A seizure (convulsions);
- Weak or shallow breathing
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
Desmopressin can cause the following side effects:
- Pain, swelling, or redness where the medicine has been injected
- Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly sensation);
- Headache;
- Nausea and stomach pain.
There may be other side effects.Call your physician if experiencing side effects; alternatively, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 if reporting such incidences.
Similar/related drugs
hydrochlorothiazide, tranexamic acid, imipramine, desmopressin, microzide, vasopressin, and DDAVP
Warnings
This medication should not be used if your kidneys are severely damaged or if you've ever experienced hyponatremia. Desmopressin may not be suitable for you if you suffer from uncontrolled hypertension or severe cardiac failure. Other conditions that can prevent desmopressin use include SIADH (syndrome with inappropriate antidiuretic hormonal secretion), excessive thirst or dehydration, or electrolyte imbalance. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: headaches, confusion, cramps in muscles, severe weakness, and nausea, as well as feeling unsteady or restless. While using desmopressin, limit your water intake and other fluids. Too much water may cause you to lose sodium. This can lead to an electrolyte imbalance that is life-threatening.
Before you take this drug
If you are allergic or have any of the following:
- Severe kidney disease
- If you've ever experienced hyponatremia (low sodium levels within your body), then this is something to consider.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that desmopressin will be safe for you:
- An electrolyte imbalance;
- A psychologic disorder characterized by extreme or abnormal thirst
- Fluid retention;
- Congestive heart disease.
- High or low blood pressure
- Urination problems
- Kidney disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- A head injury or brain tumor;
- A history of a blood clot, stroke, or heart attack
This medicine is not known to harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Desmopressin does not pass into breast milk. It is unknown if this could have an effect on the nursing infant. Inform your doctor if breastfeeding is taking place.
How to take Desmopressin?
Desmopressin can be used safely if you don't have any conditions. Your doctor will perform blood tests. Do not alter the instructions on your prescription. Use this medication only as directed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or use it for longer. Desmopressin can be injected into a vein or under the skin. 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 the needles, IV tubes, and other used items.
Desmopressin can also be purchased as a nasal spray. Your dosage requirements will change if you switch from desmopressin to desmopressin injectable. The dose of desmopressin for injection is lower than that of desmopressin for nasal use. Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions. You may require frequent blood tests to check your blood pressure while using desmopressin. While using desmopressin, limit your water intake and other fluids. Too much water may cause you to lose sodium. This can lead to an electrolyte imbalance that is life-threatening. Children and older adults who use desmopressin 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 dose until you are ready for an injection. If the color or consistency of your medicine has altered significantly or it contains particles, do not take.For new medication, call your pharmacist. Only use a disposable syringe and needle once. Use syringes and needles only once. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of sharps in a container that is puncture-proof. This container should be kept out of the reach of pets and children. If your hemophilia or von Willebrand disease is not controlled by desmopressin treatment, you should seek medical attention. Keep this medicine in your refrigerator. Do not freeze.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you recognize a missed dose, take it immediately. If your next scheduled dosage is about to arrive, simply skip this missed one and do not increase dosage in an attempt to make up for a forgotten one - doing so could result in overdosage which should never occur in any event. Do not attempt to compensate by taking extra medicine than necessary in an effort to compensate.
What happens if I overdose?
Contact 1-800-222-1222 immediately in case of poison exposure and for immediate medical help. Overdose symptoms include headaches, confusion, drowsiness, or rapid weight gain.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you are taking any new medications or if you will stop taking any of your current ones.
- Antidepressants are a type of medication.
- A diuretic, or "water pill".
- Narcotic pain medication
- Seizure medicine: carbamazepine, lamotrigine;
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: aspirin, naproxen, celecoxib (Aleve), diclofenac, Indomethacin, and others.
This list is incomplete. Desmopressin may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and OTC medications, vitamins, and herbal products. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.
