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desmopressin solution - nasal, DDAVP

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GENERIC NAME: DESMOPRESSIN SOLUTION - NASAL (dess-mow-PRESS-in)

BRAND NAME(S): DDAVP

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Desmopressin is used to control the amount of urine your kidneys make. Normally, the amount of urine you make is controlled by a certain substance in the body called vasopressin. In people who have "water diabetes" (diabetes insipidus) or certain kinds of head injury or brain surgery, the body does not make enough vasopressin. Desmopressin is a man-made form of vasopressin and is used to replace a low level of vasopressin. This medication helps to control increased thirst and too much urination due to these conditions, and helps prevent dehydration.Desmopressin products applied in the nose are no longer indicated to control nighttime bedwetting in children because of the increased risk of developing a serious side effect (a low level of sodium in the blood).

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet and instructions that come with your product. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Give this medication through the nose, usually 1 to 3 times a day as directed by your doctor. Use the marked tube that comes with your medication. Place your prescribed dose into the tube. Deliver the solution into your nose as directed. Wash the tube with water after use, and shake it until it is completely dry.If a child is using this medication, a parent or other responsible adult should supervise and help the child use this medication properly.Limit drinking of water and other fluids while using this medication, especially in children and older adults. Consult your doctor for details. If you find that you are drinking more fluids than directed, tell your doctor immediately. Your treatment will need to be adjusted. (See also Side Effects and Precautions sections.)Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not use more desmopressin or use it more often than prescribed.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if this medication stops working well.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, runny/stuffy nose, nausea, upset stomach, or flushing of the face may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Desmopressin can infrequently cause a low level of sodium in the blood, which can be serious and possibly life-threatening. Drinking too much water or other fluids increases the risk of having a low level of sodium in the blood. Therefore, follow your doctor's directions for limiting fluids. Seek immediate medical attention if you have any of these unlikely but serious symptoms of a low level of sodium in the blood: loss of appetite, severe nausea, vomiting, severe headache, muscle weakness/spasms/cramps, sudden weight gain, unusual tiredness, unusual severe drowsiness, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations, irritability), loss of consciousness, seizures, slow/shallow breathing.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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