Desmopressin injection

What is this medication?

DESMOPRESSIN (des moe PRESS in) is a man made hormone. It is used to treat or prevent bleeding in patients with Hemophilia A and von Willebrand's Disease. This medicine is also used to reduce urine production in patients with diabetes insipidus.

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:

• blood clot in the past
• cystic fibrosis
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• kidney disease
• low levels of sodium in the blood
• 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 infused into a vein or injected under the skin. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you use this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

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 healthcare provider to get one.

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?

• alcohol
• demeclocycline
• medicines for asthma, breathing problems, colds
• medicines for low blood pressure

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. You may need to get some lab tests done while taking this medication.

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.

Check with your care team if you have severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid may make it dangerous for you to take this medication.

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
• mild nausea
• pain, redness where injected
• stomach cramps

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.

You will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

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.