MedicineNet.com

desmopressin - injection, DDAVP

Take the Chronic Fatigue Quiz Surprising Benefits of Sex Slideshow Foods & Drinks That Make You Gotta Go Slideshow

GENERIC NAME: DESMOPRESSIN - INJECTION (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 is also used to control bleeding caused by surgery or injuries in people with certain bleeding problems (hemophilia A, type 1 von Willebrand's disease). It works by helping the body with normal blood clotting.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein or under the skin by a health care professional.When this medication is used to control increased thirst and too much urination, it is usually given twice a day or as directed by your doctor. If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. If you have any questions about using this medication properly, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist for more details.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 section.)Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not use more desmopressin or use it more often than prescribed.Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if this medication stops working well.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, nausea, upset stomach, flushing of the face, or redness/pain/swelling at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Infrequently, desmopressin may affect your blood pressure. It may cause an increase or decrease in your blood pressure. A temporary drop in your blood pressure may result in dizziness and a fast heartbeat. Ask your doctor for more details, especially if you have heart problems or high or low blood pressure. Tell your doctor promptly if changes in your blood pressure occur or if any of these symptoms occur.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.Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: chest pain, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, sudden vision changes.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.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.