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 nighttime bedwetting in children. It reduces how often your child urinates and decreases the number of bedwetting episodes.

How To Use

For the treatment of diabetes insipidus, take this medication by mouth, usually 2 to 3 times a day or as directed by your doctor.

For the treatment of bedwetting, take this medication by mouth, usually once a day at bedtime. Children should limit the fluids they drink after dinner, especially 1 hour before the desmopressin dose until the next morning, or at least 8 hours after the dose. If your child wakes up during the night, limit the amount that your child drinks.

All patients taking desmopressin, especially children and older adults, must limit drinking of water and other fluids. Consult your doctor for details. If you find that you are drinking more fluids than directed, tell your doctor right away. Your treatment will need to be adjusted.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not take more desmopressin or take it more often than prescribed.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take 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

See also Warning section.

Headache, nausea, upset stomach, or flushing of the face may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor 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.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away 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 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking desmopressin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• kidney disease
• high blood pressure
• heart problems (such as blocked blood vessels, heart failure)
• conditions that may increase your risk of fluid/mineral imbalance (such as cystic fibrosis)
• the urge to drink too much water without being thirsty
• a low level of sodium in the blood (hyponatremia)
• bleeding/clotting problems

If you become dehydrated, your doctor will correct that condition first before starting treatment with desmopressin.

Limit alcohol because it can interfere with how well desmopressin works.

Tell the doctor right away if you develop any illness that can cause water/mineral imbalance (including fever, diarrhea, vomiting, infections such as the flu) or if you experience conditions that require drinking more fluids (for example, exposure to very hot weather, strenuous exercise, heavy sweating). The doctor may need to stop or adjust desmopressin treatment, especially in children and older adults.

Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially water/mineral imbalance and a low level of sodium in the blood.

Older adults may be at greater risk for water/mineral imbalance and a low level of sodium in the blood while using this drug.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug are:

• tolvaptan
• "water pills"/diuretics (such as furosemide)

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: headache that is severe or doesn't go away, confusion, drowsiness, sudden weight gain.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as urine tests, sodium blood level) may be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

If you take 1 dose daily and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

If you take more than 1 dose daily and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.