Desmopressin Tablets

What is this medication?

DESMOPRESSIN (des moe PRESS in) treats conditions that cause the body to make too much urine, such as diabetes insipidus and nocturnal polyuria. It works by helping your kidneys make less urine, which balances the levels of fluid and salt in your body. This decreases symptoms such as thirst and frequent need to urinate.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): DDAVP

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

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

• Cystic fibrosis
• Excessive thirst, urge to drink fluids all the time
• Heart failure
• High blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Low levels of sodium in the blood
• Trouble passing urine
• An unusual or allergic reaction to desmopressin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 4 years 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, take it as soon as you can. If 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 medication with any of the following:

• Loop diuretics, such as furosemide
• Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Certain medications for depression, such as amitriptyline or fluoxetine
• Chlorpromazine
• Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine or lamotrigine
• NSAIDS, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Opioids
• Oxybutynin
• Thiazide diuretics, such as chlorothiazide

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 care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

This medication may cause low levels of salt (sodium) in your blood. You may be at risk of low salt levels if your fluid and body salt levels are out of balance. This can happen if you drink a lot of fluid, take other medications that lower salt levels, or if you are sick. Talk to your care team right away if you have fever, infection, vomiting, or diarrhea while taking this medication. Talk to your care team about all the medications you take. They may recommend changes to your treatment plan. This can include more frequent blood work or a change to your medications.

You may need to be on a special diet while you are taking this medication. Ask your care team. Also, find out how many glasses of fluids you need to drink each day.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Low sodium level—muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, confusion

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

• Flushing
• Headache
• Nausea

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 and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Avoid exposure to extreme heat.

Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date. To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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.