Desmopressin Injection

What is this medication?

DESMOPRESSIN (des moe PRESS in) treats diabetes insipidus, a condition that causes the body to make too much urine. 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. It may also be used to prevent or reduce excessive bleeding in people with hemophilia A or von Willebrand disease. It works by helping your body make a protein that helps your blood clot. This lowers the risk of bleeding.

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?

This medication is infused into a vein or injected under the skin. It is usually given by a care team in a hospital or clinic setting. It may also be given at home.

If you get this medication at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give it. Use exactly as directed. 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.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication 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, 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?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. 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
• Increase in blood pressure
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Low sodium level—muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, confusion
• Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet

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

• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Nausea
• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
• Stomach pain

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.

You will be instructed on how to store this medication. 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, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.

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.