Desmopressin injection

What is this medicine?

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.

How should I use this medicine?

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.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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

What may interact with this medicine?

• alcohol

• demeclocycline

• medicines for asthma, breathing problems, colds

• medicines for low blood pressure

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.

Where should I keep my medicine?

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.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

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.

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.