Brand Name(s): Concentraid, DDAVP Nose Spray, Stimate

Generic Name Desmopressin Nose Spray

What is desmopressin nose spray?

DESMOPRESSIN (DDAVP®, Stimate™) 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 (DDAVP®) 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 is also used to help stop frequent night-time urination or bedwetting. Desmopressin (Stimate™) also can be used treat or prevent bleeding in patients with mild hemophilia A or certain types of von Willebrand's disease. Generic desmopressin nose spray is available.

What should my health care professional know before I use 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
• nasal congestion or trauma to the nose
• 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?

DDAVP^® and Stimate™ nasal sprays may not be used for each other due to significant differences in the strength of these products.

Desmopressin nasal spray is only for use in the nose; do not take by mouth. The spray pump must be primed prior to first use. To prime, press down 4 times. The pump will stay primed for up to one week. If the product has not been used for a period of one week, re-prime the pump by pressing once. Read the package instructions carefully and use exactly as directed. Blow your nose gently before using the nose spray. For bedwetting or to prevent excessive urination at night, take 30 minutes before bedtime. Tilt bottle so that the tube inside the bottle draws from the deepest portion of the medication. To avoid medicine dripping out of nose, tilt head back a little. Insert the spray tip into nostril about 1/4" and press the spray pump as directed. Breathe normally; do not "sniff" the medicine. Do not lie down immediately after using the spray. If you need to use more than 1 spray, spray half the dose in each nostril. Do not use more of your medicine than directed, and do not use more or less often than directed. To avoid the spread of infection, do not share the container with anyone else.

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 using 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
• runny or stuffy nose
• 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 spray 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.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

For all brands: For 5 ml bottles, discard after 50 sprays (doses), and for 2.5 ml bottles, discard after 25 sprays (doses). There may be solution left in the bottle, do not attempt to transfer the solution to another bottle. If you continue to use after the recommended number of sprays, you may not receive the correct dose.

DDAVP^® Nasal Spray: Store at room temperature 20 and 25 °C (68 and 77 °F). Store bottle in upright position.

Stimate™ Nasal Spray: Store in the refrigerator 4 and 8 °C (36 and 46 °F). When traveling, the product will maintain stability for up to 3 weeks when stored at room temperature, 22 °C (72 °F).