Information on DDAVP (Desmopressin)

[Guest guest]

Hi gang,

Here's the write up on the new medication Rob is going to try for night time bladder control problems. He hasn't started it yet, but I'll give you all an update when we have something to report.

Carol & Rob

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DESMOPRESSIN (dez-mo-PRESS-in) (NASAL):

Prevents or controls thirst and frequent urination caused by diabetes insipidus and certain brain injuries. Also helps stop some types of bedwetting.

BRAND NAME(S): DDAVP®, Stimate®

WHEN YOU SHOULD NOT USE THIS MEDICINE:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to desmopressin.

HOW TO USE AND STORE THIS MEDICINE

Your doctor will tell you how much to use and how often. Blow your nose before using. Never swallow this medicine. Store in the refrigerator, do not freeze. For travelers, desmopressin is good for 3 weeks at room temperature. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Nose Drops:

Tilt your head back while standing or sitting and squeeze drops into each nostril. Keep your head tilted back for a few minutes so the medicine is absorbed. Rinse the dropper with hot water and dry with a clean tissue.

Nasal Spray

Spray the medicine once into each nostril, sniffing briskly while squeezing the bottle quickly and firmly. For best results, wait 3 to 5 minutes to allow the drug to work, blow the nose gently again, and repeat until you have used the amount your doctor prescribed. Rinse the tip of the nasal spray with hot water and dry with a clean tissue. The bottle contains enough medicine for 50 doses. Any liquid that is left in the bottle after 50 doses are taken should be thrown away.

Rhinal Tube:

The Rhinal Tube is a soft plastic tube with numbers (doses) marked on the side. Draw the drops into the tube until the liquid reaches the number of your dose. Put one end of the tube into your nose and the other end into your mouth. Blow gently until all the medicine has sprayed into your nose. Do not let any medicine run down through the tube into your mouth.

If you miss a dose:

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. You should not use two doses at the same time.

DRUGS AND FOODS TO AVOID:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

You may need to limit the amount of fluids or water you drink each day. Check with your doctor.

WARNINGS:

Check with your doctor before taking desmopressin if you have high blood pressure, heart problems, bleeding or clotting disorders, or have had heart bypass surgery. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.

SIDE EFFECTS

Call your doctor right away if you have any of these side effects:

Severe headache that does not go away Swelling, fluid retention, swelling of the legs or ankles Skin rash, trouble breathing, hives

If you have problems with these less serious side effects, tell your doctor.

Runny or stuffy nose Irritation of the nose, nosebleeds, sore throat Watery eyes Upset stomach Headache

IF YOU HAVE OTHER SIDE EFFECTS THAT YOU THINK ARE CAUSED BY THIS MEDICINE, TELL YOUR DOCTOR.