Drugs & Vitamins

DDAVP Injection Active Ingredients: Desmopressin Injection Representative Names: DDAVP Injection What is desmopressin injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with desmopressin? What side effects might I notice from receiving desmopressin? What should I watch for while taking desmopressin? Where can I keep my medicine? What is desmopressin injection? (Back to top) DESMOPRESSIN (DDAVP®) is a man-made form of vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone, or ADH). In the body, vasopressin acts to balance the amount of salt and water in your body. Desmopressin helps to prevent or control frequent urination, excessive thirst, and dehydration associated with decreased levels of vasopressin. Such problems occur with diabetes insipidus or certain brain injuries. Desmopressin also can be used treat or prevent bleeding in patients with mild hemophilia A or certain types of von Willebrand's disease. Generic desmopressin injections are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •blood clots •cystic fibrosis •heart disease, including history of a heart attack or heart failure •high blood pressure •low sodium levels in your blood •kidney disease •usually drink large amounts of water •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 medicine? (Back to top) Desmopressin is for injection into a vein or under the skin. A health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting may give desmopressin or you may be given desmopressin for home use. You will be instructed in the proper injection technique. Make sure you understand how to prepare and give desmopressin before giving it at home. Follow the directions exactly. Always wash your hands before use. Only use a disposable syringe once. Always change the site for the injection under the skin. Let the solution warm to room temperature before you use it. Throw away any unused portion. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you use two or more doses per day, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule with the next dose. Do not use double doses. If you use one dose per day, use the missed dose as soon as you remember on the day the dose was due. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule with the next dose. Do not use double doses. What drug(s) may interact with desmopressin? (Back to top) •alcohol •carbamazepine •chlorpromazine •chlorpropamide •cisplatin •clofibrate •cyclophosphamide •demeclocycline •fludrocortisone •lamotrigine •lithium •narcotic medicines for pain •NSAIDS, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen •oxybutynin •vincristine Tell your prescriber or health care professional: about all other medicines you are taking including non-prescription medicines; if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal drugs. These can affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects might I notice from receiving desmopressin? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: rash, itching, hives, difficulty breathing •confusion •drowsiness •nausea, persistent or severe •rapid weight gain •retaining water •severe or continuing headaches •seizures •weakness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •flushing (reddening) of the skin •headache •nausea •pain or irritation at the injection site •stomach pain or cramps •vaginal area pain What should I watch for while taking desmopressin? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you are taking desmopressin injections to control bleeding and the bleeding is not stopping, contact your health care provider. Desmopressin can prevent the loss of water. Only drink enough fluid to satisfy your thirst. Too much water in the body can cause confusion, drowsiness, or lethargy, which may lead to seizures or coma. The risk of too much water in the body is greater in young children and the elderly. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice about your fluid intake. Make sure you receive a puncture-resistant container to dispose of the needles and syringes once you have finished with them. Do not reuse these items. Return the container to your prescriber or health care professional for proper disposal. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. Store injection vials in the refrigerator, 4—8 degrees C (36—46 degrees F). Do not freeze. Last Updated:12/04/2007 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.