Desmopressin nose spray

What is this medication?

DESMOPRESSIN (des moe PRESS in) is a man made hormone. It helps to control urination and thirst. This medicine is used to treat central diabetes insipidus. It is used in patients after a head injury or some surgeries. This medicine is used to treat or prevent bleeding in patients with Hemophilia A and von Willebrand's Disease. This medicine is also used to treat adults with nocturia.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): DDAVP, Minirin, Stimate

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

• blood clot in the past
• congestion, injury, swelling of the nose
• cystic fibrosis
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• kidney disease
• low levels of sodium in the blood
• taking a loop diuretic or steroid medicine
• 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 medication?

This medicine is for use in the nose. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Make sure that you are using your nose spray correctly. Do not use any other products in the nose. Ask your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions.

If you are using Noctiva nasal spray, a special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose and it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• loop diuretics
• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, lamotrigine
• narcotic medicines for pain
• NSAIDS, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. You may need to get some lab tests done while taking this medicine.

Talk with your doctor about how many glasses of water or other fluids you need to drink a day. Only drink enough fluid to satisfy your thirst or as directed. Too much or not enough water can cause harm.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get sick and have a stomach or intestinal virus with vomiting or diarrhea or if you have an infection or fever.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

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

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• chest pain, tightness
• change in blood pressure
• fast, irregular heart rate
• signs and symptoms of low sodium like headache; drowsiness; confusion; nausea and vomiting; muscle cramps; restless; or seizures
• sudden weight gain
• swelling of the legs or ankles
• unusual bleeding, bruising
• unusually weak or tired

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

• flushing, reddening of the skin
• headache
• nasal discomfort
• nosebleed
• runny or stuffy nose
• sneezing

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

DDAVP Nasal Spray: Store at room temperature, between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Store bottle in upright position. Keep track of the number of doses that you use. Throw away the bottle when you have used the number of doses on the bottle label. Do not transfer any medicine into another bottle. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Stimate Nasal Spray: Store in the refrigerator, between 4 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). When traveling, you can store at room temperature, 22 degrees C (72 degrees F) for up to 3 weeks. Keep track of the number of doses that you use. Throw away the bottle when you have used the number of doses on the bottle label. Do not transfer any medicine into another bottle. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Noctiva Nasal Spray: Before opening, store upright in a refrigerator between 0 and 15 degrees C (32 and 59 degrees F). After opening, store upright at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away 60 days after opening.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.