Brand Name(s): DDAVP Injection

Generic Name Desmopressin Injection

What is desmopressin injection?

DESMOPRESSIN (DDAVP®) is a man-made form of vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone, or ADH). In the body, vasopressin acts to balance the amount of salt and water in your body. Desmopressin helps to prevent or control frequent urination, excessive thirst, and dehydration associated with decreased levels of vasopressin. Such problems occur with diabetes insipidus or certain brain injuries. Desmopressin also can be used treat or prevent bleeding in patients with mild hemophilia A or certain types of von Willebrand's disease. Generic desmopressin injections are available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive desmopressin?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood clots
• cystic fibrosis
• heart disease, including history of a heart attack or heart failure
• high blood pressure
• an unusual or allergic reaction to desmopressin, vasopressin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Desmopressin is for injection into a vein or under the skin. A health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting may give desmopressin or you may be given desmopressin for home use. You will be instructed in the proper injection technique. Make sure you understand how to prepare and give desmopressin before giving it at home. Follow the directions exactly. Always wash your hands before use. Only use a disposable syringe once. Always change the site for the injection under the skin. Let the solution warm to room temperature before you use it. Throw away any unused portion.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you use two or more doses per day, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule with the next dose. Do not use double doses.

If you use one dose per day, use the missed dose as soon as you remember on the day the dose was due. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule with the next dose. Do not use double doses.

What drug(s) may interact with desmopressin?

• alcohol
• carbamazepine
• chlorpropamide
• cisplatin
• clofibrate
• cyclophosphamide
• demeclocycline
• fludrocortisone
• lithium
• vincristine

Tell your prescriber or health care professional: about all other medicines you are taking including non-prescription medicines; if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal drugs. These can affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects might I notice from receiving desmopressin?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: rash, itching, hives, difficulty breathing
• confusion
• drowsiness
• nausea, persistent or severe
• rapid weight gain
• retaining water
• severe or continuing headaches
• seizures
• weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• flushing (reddening) of the skin
• headache
• nausea
• pain or irritation at the injection site
• stomach pain or cramps
• vaginal area pain

What should I watch for while taking desmopressin?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you are taking desmopressin injections to control bleeding and the bleeding is not stopping, contact your health care provider.

Desmopressin can prevent the loss of water. Only drink enough fluid to satisfy your thirst. Too much water in the body can cause confusion, drowsiness, or lethargy, which may lead to seizures or coma. The risk of too much water in the body is greater in young children and the elderly. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice about your fluid intake.

Make sure you receive a puncture-resistant container to dispose of the needles and syringes once you have finished with them. Do not reuse these items. Return the container to your prescriber or health care professional for proper disposal.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store injection vials in the refrigerator, 4 and 8 °C (36 and 46 °F). Do not freeze.