Vasopressin, ADH injection

What is this medicine?

VASOPRESSIN (vas oh PRES in) is a hormone that is normally made in the body. This medicine acts to lower the amount of urine that is made and to constrict small blood vessels. It is used to treat diabetes insipidus. It is also used to reduce stomach bloat for some procedures and after some surgeries.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection under the skin or into a muscle. 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

• cold, discolored hands or feet

• confusion

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• irregular heartbeat

• listless

• pain or redness at site where injected

• rapid weight gain

• seizure

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• 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):

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

• pale areas of skin

• stomach cramps or gas

• sweating

• trembling

What may interact with this medicine?

• alcohol

• carbamazepine

• chlorpropamide

• clofibrate

• demeclocycline

• fludrocortisone

• heparin

• lithium

• medicines for depression, pain, or sleep like amitriptyline, desipramine, doxepin

• norepinephrine

• urea

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.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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 vessel disease

• heart disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to 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 checks on your progress.

Drink 1 or 2 glasses of water when you get a dose of this medicine to prevent or reduce nausea, cramps, and pale areas of skin. These side effects usually last only a few minutes. Be aware that too much water in the body may be dangerous. Ask your doctor or health care professional how much fluid to drink everyday.